Author - Jerry Paxton

Nightdive Studios Unveils March Release for System Shock

The highly anticipated System Shock remake received a release window of March 2023. The remake of the genre-defining 1994 classic System Shock has been on the radar of fans for some time now, and Nightdive has worked tirelessly to breathe new life into the game with a full-fledged — and absolutely stunning — remake that’ll shine on modern hardware.

With gorgeous new visuals and a brutal dismemberment system, the iconic title welcomes players new and old back to Citadel Station and the arms of the delightfully villainous SHODAN. In the homestretch of development, Nightdive Studios and publisher Prime Matter have spent the time ironing out details and making sure the game has that little bit of extra spice that fans will appreciate. From never before seen enemies and quality of life gameplay tweaks, to a revamped hacking system and visceral new combat options, the System Shock remake will be every bit as immersive and entertaining as fans have been hoping.

For more information about System Shock’s development, check out the latest Kickstarter update here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598858095/system-shock/posts/3699917.

System Shock is available for pre-order on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store for $39.99 USD and includes a free copy of the upcoming System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition for all early buyers. System Shock will also release for Xbox One and Series S|X and PlayStation 4|5.

Hogwarts Legacy Reveals Simon Pegg as Phineas Nigellus Black

Warner Bros. Games and Avalanche Software revealed today some of the well-known voice talent for Hogwarts Legacy, the upcoming open-world, action role-playing-game set in the 1800s wizarding world. Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Games under the Portkey Games label, Hogwarts Legacy allows players to experience life as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry like never before, as they live the unwritten and embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world.

In Hogwarts Legacy, actor Simon Pegg plays Phineas Nigellus Black, the cantankerous Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From a long lineage of Slytherins, Headmaster Black is hated by the students, of whom he also has a great disdain for. Wildly ill-suited to his job, his goal is to do the least amount of work possible and avoid exposure to the student body – preferring to focus on his status in the wizarding world and his surgically manicured beard.

As fifth-year students entering Hogwarts for the first time, Sebastian Croft and Amelia Gething play the two voice options for the game’s playable avatar, which can be highly customized, enabling players to choose the witch or wizard they want to be.

Lesley Nicol voices a key character in the game, Professor Matilda Weasley. A Gryffindor, she is the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts who aids the player in catching up with the other students by giving them the Wizard’s Field Guide and showing them the Room of Requirement. Kandace Caine plays Professor Onai who was once a Divination teacher at Uagadou, the largest wizarding school in the world, and a gifted Seer whose faith in her sight was shaken by the fact that she did not foresee the loss of her husband. Deciding to leave those painful memories behind, she accepts an invitation by Professor Weasley to teach Divination at Hogwarts. The professor of Astronomy, Professor Satyavati Shah, is voiced by Sohm Kapila. Raised in the Muggle world, Professor Shah is devoted to the sciences and tends to talk down to her students in winding and pretentious aphorisms.

And longtime franchise fans will be thrilled to recognize Luke Youngblood, who played Lee Jordan in the film series as he returns to provide the voice of Everett Clopton, a Ravenclaw and a half-blood underachieving rule-breaker and prankster. Asif Ali voices another Ravenclaw student, Amit Thakkar, a bright and well-read student who would leap at the chance to help a friend in need, though, once in the thick of things, often realizes he might be better off reading about certain adventures than experiencing them.

Jason Anthony voices both Nearly Headless Nick and the Sorting Hat. Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor house ghost, also known as Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, is friendly and entertaining, if a bit pompous. He may be the key to helping the Gryffindor player find answers crucial to solving a significant mystery – if they are willing to do him one small favor involving a bit of rotten roast beef! And finally, the iconic Sorting Hat, a sentient, magical hat, uses knowledge from the student’s past along with input from the player to determine which Hogwarts house will be the right fit.

Children of Silentown Launch Trailer

Children of Silentown lets you uncover the unsettling secrets surrounding the hushed village – starting today. Publisher Daedalic Entertainment, along with developers Elf Games and Luna2 Studio are delighted to announce that their dark, beautifully hand-drawn, point-and-click adventure is now available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

The story follows Lucy, a girl growing up in a village deep in a forest inhabited by monsters, as she slowly begins unraveling the mysteries that surround her. During the day, Lucy spends her time with her friends or helping her mother. But at night she is haunted by terrible nightmares, listening to the horrible growling coming from beyond the town limits. One thing is clear to her: the dark brings terrible danger and she must never set foot in the forest. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to delve into the forbidden woods and face her fears.

Children of Silentown is a dark point-and-click adventure with a unique hand-drawn and eerie art style, combined with atmospheric music to create a hauntingly beautiful world. Players have to find notes, collect items and combine them to solve puzzles and play minigames to discover the secrets of Silentown and the forest. Additionally, learning songs is paramount to communicating with others and progressing in the game. This tool even allows players to shape Lucy’s story and experience multiple endings.

Children of Silentown is now available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Xbox and Bethesda Announce Developer_Direct Presentation

Xbox and Bethesda will present a Developer_Direct on Wednesday, January 25, providing fans with an inside look at some of the games coming to Xbox, PC and Game Pass over the next few months.

Presented by the game creators themselves from studios including Arkane Austin, Mojang Studios, Turn 10 Studios, and ZeniMax Online Studios, the Developer_Direct will focus on big features, extended gameplay showcases, and the latest info for Xbox games launching in the next few months, including The Elder Scrolls OnlineForza MotorsportMinecraft Legendsand Redfall

To dedicate the proper amount of time for a deep dive into Bethesda Game Studios’ Starfield, a standalone show is in the works.

Fans should tune in on Xbox channels (TwitchYouTube) and Bethesda channels (TwitchYouTube) at 12pm PT/3pm ET, January 25 to see all the latest on:

  • The Elder Scrolls Online: Studio Director Matt Firor will unveil 2023’s major Chapter update, including the latest regions of Tamriel to become playable in ESO, as well as a major new feature coming in the game’s biggest update this year. The Developer_Direct will be immediately followed by the full, standalone ESO Chapter Reveal Event, hosted by Zenimax Online Studios, which will provide all the in-depth details ESO players will be keen to know.
  • Forza Motorsport: The team at Turn 10 Studios have been hard at work, bringing fans the next generation of Forza Motorsport, built from the ground up to take advantage of Xbox Series X|S. Forza Motorsport is back, and we can’t wait to share more gameplay and exciting new details.
  • Minecraft Legends: Mojang Studios will showcase an insider’s look into the PvP multiplayer experience in Minecraft Legends – the upcoming action-strategy game from the makers of Minecraft. Developed in partnership with Blackbird Interactive and launching this spring, don’t miss exclusive gameplay footage at the Developer_Direct.
  • Redfall: The minds behind Dishonored and Prey, Arkane Austin, will showcase several minutes of gameplay from their upcoming FPS. The Developer_Direct will reveal single and multiplayer gameplay, showing more of how you and your friends will take down bloodthirsty Vampires on the picturesque island of Redfall, Massachusetts. Fans can expect to learn more about combat, customization, bosses, the open world, and more.

Stay tuned to Xbox and Bethesda’s official social channels for more on the Developer_Direct, coming on Wednesday, January 25 at 12pm PT/3pm ET.

Vertagear Unveils 800 Series Gaming Chairs

The Vertagear 800 Series is a bold step towards a revolutionary future of ergonomics as it aims to tackle core health and comfort-related issues plaguing the industry-standard gaming chair. In development since 2019 with countless manhours poured into research and testing, the new refresh lineup is equipped with Vertagear’s patent-pending ContourMax™ and VertaAir™ Seat and promises to tailor itself to each individual’s specific needs to maximize comfort and healthy posture. The Vertagear 800 Series is now available to at vertagear.com and Amazon.com starting at €379.90/$379.99/£329.99. They are expected to be on Amazon UK very soon as well. Colour options include Carbon Black, Black & White, Midnight Blue, Midnight Green, Midnight Purple and Burgandy Red.

Boasting mutliple colour and size options, the 800 range includes the SL3800 and SL5800 chairs to cater for users up to 6ft in height and a weight of 250 lbs, whilst the PL4800 and PL6800 can carer for people of up to 6ft 8 and 400lbs. Additionally, the SL5800 and PL4800 (the two chairs central in the image above), also include Vertagear’s patented RGB LED Kits to to elevate the gaming and streaming experience.

The ContourMax™ Lumbar is Vertagear’s groundbreaking new lumbar support that alleviates tension throughout the body by dynamically contouring itself to the back’s shape and movement, keeping users in a healthy posture no matter how long they sit. The four TPE modules of the ContourMax™ Lumbar and their 64 responsive branches help to relax muscles. The Lumbar is also instinctively flexible, cuing the body to shift to different positions to retain ergonomic comfort when sitting for prolonged hours. With the ContourMax™, Vertagear looks to prevent pain and health concerns before they become an issue.

Paired with the ContourMax™ Lumbar is Vertagear’s latest innotivation: The VertaAir™ Seat. The new seat boasts features that improve support, comfort and relieve chronic back pain. With a waterfall, wide seat design, it distributes pressure evenly across the thighs, knees, and lower body to prevent blockage of blood circulation throughout the legs. Additionally, the new seat is embedded with 8 hexagonal air pillars, inspired by Bernoulli’s Principle, designed with air intake tunnels and 4-way air emission tunnels to provide pressure relief for the sitting bones and support a healthy back.

The VertaAir™ Seat comes with eight hexagonal air pillars. These pillars host air tunnels with 4-way air emission tunnels, emitting air in and out to provide breathability and pressure relief on your sit bones for a healthy back.

“The 800 Series is our way of fulfilling our promise to our customers. We engineer our chairs with the health and comfort of every person at the top of our minds, and our new lineup is the epitome of that promise.” — Mike Ma, Founder & CEO of Vertagear

In addition to these revolutionary features, also comes HygennX™. The new technology from Vertagear uses patented coffee ground nanotechnology in breathable cloth to deliver a natural odor control with quick-drying functionality and silver-coated embroidery to neutralize bacteria growth whilst prolonging the life of the chair and accessories.

For those wishing to further customize their chairs, the SL5800 and PL4800 include the world’s only wirelessly PC controlled RGB LED kit. This changes the colour on the back behind the head (on the front and the back of the chair), the very center of the chair with its ‘V’ logo, and on the bottom of the chair which will light up the ground below. It is even possible to add a customized logo.

The Vertagear 800 Series is now available to at vertagear.com and Amazon.com starting at €379.90/$379.99/£329.99. They are expected to be on Amazon UK very soon as well. Colour options include Carbon Black, Black & White, Midnight Blue, Midnight Green, Midnight Purple and Burgandy Red.

DJI Unveils RS 3 Mini Lightweight Camera Stabilizer

DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today introduces DJI RS 3 Mini, a lightweight handheld travel stabilizer developed specifically to support today’s mainstream brands of mirrorless cameras and lenses. With a smaller and lighter body, the DJI RS 3 Mini continues the excellent stabilization performance of the RS 3 series, allowing users to create professional-grade content while traveling around landscapes or in urban locations. Furthermore, weighing less than 800 g (1.8 lbs), the gimbal can carry a weight of up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs), features Bluetooth shutter control, a 3rd generation stabilization algorithm, native horizontal and vertical switching, and a 1.4-inch color touchscreen.

“Since the introduction of DJI’s Ronin series for cinematography in professional environments, DJI has been working on bringing professional-grade technology to an increasing number of content creators,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI. “The DJI RS 3 Mini is testament to DJI’s core value of bringing innovative stabilization technology to everyone with a love of capturing their moments in a photo or on video. Now, anyone with a mirrorless camera can experience the same industry-leading technology used on film sets and studios across the globe.”

With Just One Hand

The RS 3 Mini adopts an all-in-one design which is both compact and portable. At only 795 g (1.7 lbs) in vertical shooting mode, the RS 3 Mini is around 50% lighter than the RS 3 Pro and 40% lighter than the RS 3. This makes the device much easier to carry, and allows it to achieve great results with just one hand. It can be stored easily in a shoulder bag, and its weight makes it much more suited to traveling during longer outdoor shooting.

A Tool for Every Mirrorless Owner

With the ability to carry a weight of up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs), the RS 3 Mini supports a range of mainstream mirrorless camera and lens combinations, such as the Sony A7S3 + 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens, Canon EOS R5 + RF24-70mm F2.8 STM lens or Fuji X-H2S + XF 18-55 mm F2.8-4 lens, to name a few (see the full compatibility list here). A powerful motor ensures that even when the zoom reaches the maximum focal length, the footage captured remains stable, and there is no need to repeat balancing.

Native Vertical Shooting

In order to meet the needs of today’s vertical video creation, the RS 3 Mini features a freshly designed dual-layered quick-release plate. By attaching the quick-release plate to the vertical arm, vertical shooting can be achieved without the need for additional accessories, and the gimbal rotation angle is not limited, compared to traditional vertical mode. Short video social media content can be shot with ease. RS 3 Mini also features an upper plate with a new curved placement guide, which prevents the camera from rotating and loosening.

3rd Generation Stabilization

Lightweight and powerful, RS 3 Mini is a professional stabilizer that will bring an unprecedented, easy, and flexible landscape or street shooting experience to users of all levels, achieving portability and professionalism at the same time. DJI’s 3rd generation stabilization algorithm as found in the RS 3 Pro, has been utilized in the RS 3 Mini to provide outstanding performance, whether the user is running, shooting at a low angle or in flashlight mode. Content stability is ensured throughout shooting and professional-level image stabilization can be achieved regardless of the user’s experience. When users are shooting around human subjects, the RS 3 Mini achieves smooth camera movements effortlessly. Users don’t need to pay too much attention to footwork and pace, as the RS 3 Mini can follow people steadily and switch between high and low angles for a more diverse range of shots. Dynamic 360°-rotation imaging delivers a strong visual impact and eye-catching shots.

Effortless Connection

The Wireless Bluetooth Shutter function supports linking with the majority of today’s mainstream mirrorless cameras. After the initial linking, the camera will be ready automatically for action as soon as it is turned on, and users can directly control the video recording and photo capture functions via the record button on the gimbal, enabling them to concentrate on shooting straightaway. When using a Sony camera with a supported digital lens, users can also directly control the lens’s optical or digital zoom via the front dial, eliminating the need for a camera control cable.

Control at Your Fingertips

For convenient control, a 1.4-inch full-color touchscreen, M-mode button to switch between the gimbal’s three custom modes and front dial for focusing, can all be found within easy one-handed reach.

Accessories a Plenty

Featuring a NATO port on the side of the body, the RS 3 Mini opens up more shooting options by connecting various accessories such as DJI’s Briefcase Handle, external fill lights or microphones.

Fantastic Power for a Day’s Shoot

The integrated battery handle of the RS 3 Mini provides up to 10 hours charge, meeting the needs of a day’s shoot. It supports charging during use and can be fully charged in as little as 2.5 hours.1

Make the Most with the Ronin App

The Ronin app has a wealth of smart shooting functions to help users get the most from their creations.

  • Time-lapse: Add a timelapse to any video for an engaging opening or breathtaking transition.
  • Track recording: Set the gimbal to move along up to 10 pre-set points for a dynamic video of any scene or environment.
  • Panorama: Enhance the camera’s field of vision with a panoramic photo showing the whole scene in front of you.

Price and Availability

DJI RS 3 Mini will be available for purchase today from authorized retailers and at www.store.dji.com with a price of USD $369. Full details can be found at www.dji.com/rs-3-mini

DJI Care Refresh

DJI Care Refresh is a comprehensive protection plan for DJI products and is now available for RS 3 Mini. Accidental damage is covered by the replacement service, including natural wear, collisions, and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.

DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to 2 replacements in 1 year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to 3 replacements in 2 years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include rewards for safe use, international warranty service, and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Shares Exclusive BTS Video

Over the past two weeks, Gun Interactive has shared more details from its upcoming 2023 release, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, including a Behind-the-Scenes video focused on the motion-capture animation process and a new single from Remains, the companion album to the game’s official soundtrack. First, check out the video below for an exclusive look at how Gun Interactive uses motion capture to replicate and build upon the infamous performances from the 1974 film:

Shot on-location at The House of Moves in Los Angeles and shared just this week, the video diary gives horror fans a fascinating window into the method of mo-cap, illustrating some of the key choreography and physical performance that goes into animating character movements. Featuring insight and commentary from the Gun Team and their roster of talent—including industry veteran and horror icon Kane Hodder—this video is the first installment in a series of behind-the-scenes features focused on the craft and experience of making the Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Meanwhile, last week saw the arrival of “Tragic”, the latest track from the Remains companion album, written and performed by Wes Keltner & Jim Bonney. The heavy, looming song conjures images of industrial stagnation and rhythmic horror, and was very much inspired by the themes evoked by Kim Henkel’s original screenplay for the 1974 film. In a post on the Gun Interactive Community Hub page from last fall, head of Brand Strategy Matt Szep writes that “track over track, Remains tells a story, creatively, of a move forced by modernization, into a place much darker and desperate.” Utilizing everything from guitar and drums to the Apprehension Engine—the singular musical instrument capable of producing inimitable horror soundscapes—Remains weaves a tale of dark abstraction and the unstoppable march of time, one that forms the perfect complement to the world and characters of TCSM.

About Gun Interactive
Based in Kentucky, Gun Interactive is a publisher and creative studio for interactive entertainment composed of industry veterans with unique and complementary backgrounds. The team shares a passion for horror and a vision that game development is not just the creation of a product, but the blending of art, design, and technology to produce experiences that engage and entertain players from all over the world. The mission of Gun is to create authentic interactive horror experiences and engage gamers and fans of the genre across a wide range of platforms.

Walt Disney Animation Studios Announces Mickey & Minnie 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1

Walt Disney Animation Studios today announced that Mickey & Minnie 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1 will soon be available to audiences to enjoy at home. This new collection gathers together ten classic animated shorts for the first time, including the iconic “Steamboat Willie,” and features all-new introductions from Mickey and Minnie for each short.

This release is part of the planned releases coming in 2023 to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary.

It will be available to purchase on Blu-ray and DVD from February 7.

Film Synopsis

Celebrate 100 magical years of Disney with this collectible compilation of animated shorts! Mickey and Minnie share their memories in new introductions to these 10 wonderful stories, which have entertained generations of children and adults alike. Included is the iconic “Steamboat Willie,” the first cartoon with synchronized sound, in which the character of Mickey Mouse was first introduced as a deckhand on a riverboat commanded by the tyrannical Captain Pete. Also included are “Brave Little Tailor,” featuring Mickey as a medieval tailor given a daunting task. In “Mickey’s Delayed Date,” the tardy mouse relies on his faithful pup Pluto to get him to a dance with Minnie. “Hawaiian Holiday” finds Mickey and his pals vacationing on a beautiful island. Then along with friends, Mickey and Minnie glide through a romantic date on a frozen river in “On Ice.” And catch five more delightful stories in this legacy collection.

Product Specifications

Street Date

Physical: February 7, 2023

Product SKUs

Physical: Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + Digital Code) & DVD

Feature Run Time

Approx. 83 Minutes

Rating

Not rated

Aspect Ratio

Digital: 1.78:1

Physical: 1.78:1

U.S. Audio

Blu-ray: English 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 2.0 Dolby Digital

DVD: English 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 2.0 Dolby Digital

Digital: English 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 2.0 Dolby Digital

U.S. Subtitles

Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish, French

DVD: English SDH, Spanish, French

Digital: English SDH, Spanish, French (some platforms)

Knott’s Peanuts Celebration is Back for 2023

The Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration welcomes fans of all ages to join the PEANUTS gang as it takes over the park for plenty of excitement and family-friendly fun starting January 28 through February 26. The celebration features a new game show at the Birdcage Theatre, plenty of new PEANUTS-inspired cuisine, a new space-themed exhibit and photo ops that allow guests to step into the iconic Charles M. Schulz comic strips. And many of the PEANUTS characters will be hanging out throughout the park to add to the fun.

At the Calico Mine Stage, the PEANUTS characters will perform the musical game show It’s Your Life, Charlie Brown, with the loveable title character getting the surprise of his life. There will be music, fun and surprise guests, including the world’s most famous beagle, Snoopy. The stage will transform at nightfall as the park hosts Snoopy’s Legendary Rooftop Concert. The Peanuts Gang has teamed up with the family-friendly indie band, The Jelly of the Month Club, for a high-energy spectacle sure to have everyone dancing.

The PEANUTS-inspired festivities will continue at the Bird Cage Theatre as the park offers an experience that teaches the young and the young at heart how to draw their favorite PEANUTS characters. The PEANUTS Sketch School will include our resident art teacher, providing step-by-step instructions on creating the perfect PEANUTS masterpiece. Also in Bird Cage Theatre is Charlie Brown’s Trivia Challenge, where guests test their knowledge with PEANUTS universe questions and eye-popping visual challenges.

At Calico’s Town Hall, guests will see stars with the exhibit To The Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA, featuring the world’s most famous beagle and his long relationship with our nation’s space administration. Plus, visitors have the chance to meet Snoopy himself and snap an out-of-this-world picture!

A western escapade occurs at Calico Park with Franklin and Linus as they transform into cowboys in the PEANUTS Cowboy Jamboree. The boys are looking to challenge guests with some of Calico’s root-toot-tooniest games. Also in Ghost Town is Pigpen’s Pig Pen, where everyone’s favorite messy pal will be joining the rest of the PEANUTS Gang as he hosts a special meetup at the Livery Stables with some of his animal friends.

The fun continues at Camp Snoopy, where the Camp Snoopy Theater features Music Goes ‘Round and Around during the day. Sally and Schroeder will host a retrospect of melodies sure to make the audience dance in the aisles. Those who hop aboard the Grand Sierra Railroad can experience a one-of-a-kind adventure as riders travel with the PEANUTS Gang to the Beagle Bonanza in this fun ride overlay.

More musical enjoyment can be found at Boardwalk BBQ, where guests can grab a seat (and a plate!) to enjoy the smooth sounds of The James Street Trio that will transport them to the hometown of the PEANUTS Gang with this tribute to the music of Vince Guaraldi.

The best way to enjoy the expanded Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration plus all of the other Seasons of Fun in 2023 is with a Season Pass! A 2023 Season Pass includes unlimited visits all of 2023, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. For tickets and more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone. Join the conversation using the hashtag #KnottsPeanutsCelebration