Author - Jerry Paxton

King’s Bounty II Now Available for Xbox Series X and PS5

2023/09/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Xbox Series X News

Fulqrum Publishing and PLAION are thrilled to announce that King’s Bounty II, successor to the unique and critically acclaimed turn-based tactical role-playing King’s Bounty series, is out today in an enhanced version for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. This improved release features dynamic 4K (only on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5), a performance mode enabling 60 FPS, faster load times, and generally enhanced performance.

About King’s Bounty II:

Darkness descends over the world of Nostria. Conspiracies, sabotage, and necromancy are overshadowing the country. Counties are demanding independence, bandits prowl the roads, and rumors about the overwhelming power of Blight emerge from a whisper in the dark. The old King Claudius was poisoned and cannot lead the kingdom, and so his son, Prince Adrian, must now unite the struggling lands while his power and faith fall under attack. But maybe a savior – the kingdom’s last hope – is already here, to fight back and finally restore peace and order in Nostria?

King’s Bounty II allows players to pick one of three heroes – each with their own personality and unique skill set – and journey out into the fantasy world of Nostria. There is much to explore – from recruiting, developing, and commanding your personal army to venturing into a non-linear world full of betrayal, sacrifice, and survival. With big bustling towns, small hamlets, frozen wastes in the north, wide grasslands, and oppressive wetlands to brave, King’s Bounty II offers the largest open-world Fulqrum Publishing has ever created.

Forge your own destiny in King’s Bounty II, out now for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This enhanced version comes with a free upgrade and save file compatibility for current owners on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

To learn more about King’s Bounty II, visit https://kingsbounty2.com/en/

NACON Unveils Ultra-Premium RIG 900 MAX HX Wireless Gaming Headset

2023/09/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

NACON, a leader in premium gaming accessories and parent of the RIG audio brand, proudly unveils the RIG 900 MAX HX. Licensed for Xbox, the 900 MAX marks the pinnacle in wireless game audio, merging capabilities such as a personalized Dolby Atmos® headphone experience, dual wireless connectivity with Bluetooth audio, and a seamless charging base station for the definitive gaming experience.

The 900 MAX is the first gaming headset to offer the ability to personalize your Dolby Atmos headphone listening experience when enjoying gaming in Dolby Atmos on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One or PC. Traditional audio experiences over headphones are designed using generic head and body types without considering the natural diversity of the human body. Leveraging the companion Dolby Personalization mobile app, the 900 MAX unlocks an exceptional Dolby Atmos experience by providing you with a custom personal profile tailored for you.

“Innovation is born from understanding the demands of gamers,” said NACON Head of Development for RIG, Jack Reynolds. “The 900 MAX embodies our commitment to crafting a definitive gaming headset that delivers exceptional wireless performance across all their devices and tailors the audio experience to each player.”

Boasting phenomenal connectivity with low-latency 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.1, the 900 MAX HX lets you connect wirelessly to all your favorite gaming devices, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mobile.

DUAL-MODE WIRELESS
Command your audio with the versatility of dual-mode wireless on the 900 MAX HX. Low-latency 2.4GHz connection via USB wireless adapter gives you a competitive edge, while Bluetooth 5.1 allows you to game on the go with platforms like Nintendo Switch—cycle between Game, Bluetooth, or Dual- Mode, ensuring no interruptions when you are in the zone.

UNLOCK A PERSONALIZED DOLBY ATMOS HEADPHONE EXPERIENCE
Personalize your Dolby Atmos headphone experience through the Dolby Personalization mobile app. Once created, leverage your personal profile to enjoy an exceptional Dolby Atmos experience that delivers astonishing audio quality tailored for you.

PREMIUM COMFORT
Engineered with reinforced steel, the 900 MAX HX showcases a premium headband, ensuring durability even during intense gaming sessions. Weighing in at just 295 grams (10.5 ounces), this ultralightweight headset boasts SNAP-FIT earcups with breathable dual fabric and a headband sling, providing unmatched comfort for all-day gaming.

MARATHON GAMING
Never run out of battery mid-game with 50-hour battery life on a 2.4GHz connection and up to 60 hours using Bluetooth. Just dock the headset and recharge via the base station, ready for your next session.

ULTIMATE GAME AUDIO
Powered by high-sensitivity 40mm audio drivers with enhanced bass and a precisely tuned acoustic chamber, the 900 MAX HX is designed to produce accurate audio without fatigue. Experience the advantage and immersion of ultimate game audio.

WIRELESS GAMING COMPANION
Bluetooth connectivity unlocks access to the 900 MAX Navigator app on iOS and Android devices. Pairing your headset with a mobile device unlocks advanced customization to personalize your audio experience further. Select pre-set equaliser options for different game genres and music, or completely customize them yourself, adjust mic sensitivity or monitoring levels, and test headset functionality. (Navigator App will be available as the 900 MAX reaches retail shelves in mid-September).

CRYSTAL CLEAR CHAT. INSTANT MUTE.
Using a directional microphone paired with noise-cancelling technology, the 900 MAX HX provides crystal-clear voice pickup in all gaming environments. Flip-to-mute functionality instantly mutes your voice without needing to interrupt your game.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY at Best Buy on 7 September 2023 for a suggested retail price of $249.99. Visit BESTBUY.COM or RIGGAMING.COM for more information.

RIG 900 MAX HX features:

  • Universal gaming headset officially licensed for Xbox and compatible with PlayStation and PC via USB-A wireless adapter.
  • Dual-mode wireless offers 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
  • Personalize your Dolby Atmos headphone experience through the Dolby Personalization app.
  • Durable and flexible steel headband
  • SNAP-FIT sizing and dual-material noise-isolating earcups for all-day comfort.
  • Up to 60-hour Bluetooth battery life.
  • Up to 50-hour 2.4GHz battery life.
  • Base station provides seamless charging.
  • 900 MAX Navigator app available for advanced customization.
  • Flip-to-mute mic for online and solo gaming sessions

New Goosebumps Series Premiere Date Trailer

2023/09/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

“Goosebumps,” the chilling new series inspired by R.L. Stine’s worldwide bestselling Scholastic book series, is set to debut across both Disney+ and Hulu on Friday, Oct. 13, it was announced today. From Disney Branded Television and Sony Pictures Television, the 10-part series will launch with a five-episode drop as part of Disney+’s “Hallowstream” and Hulu’s “Huluween” celebrations, with subsequent new episodes streaming weekly. Additionally, the series’ first two episodes will air on Freeform on Oct. 13th, as part of its “31 Nights of Halloween” programming. A premiere date teaser and new images were also released as part of today’s announcement.

“R.L. Stine’s ‘Goosebumps’ franchise is a pop culture phenomenon that holds a special place in the hearts of people of all ages,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “We are delighted to bring this spooky new series to audiences everywhere in a big way on Disney+ and Hulu, which we hope will not only captivate new audiences with its elevated thrills and chills, but also lifelong fans nostalgic for the stories that are a staple of their generation.”

Plunging viewers into a world of mystery and suspense, the new “Goosebumps” series follows a group of five high schoolers as they embark on a shadowy and twisted journey to investigate the tragic passing three decades earlier of a teen named Harold Biddle — while also unearthing dark secrets from their parents’ past.

Published by Scholastic, “Goosebumps” is one of the bestselling book series of all time, with more than 400 million books in print in 32 languages. The new television series draws on elements from five of the most popular middle grade books including “Say Cheese and Die!,” “The Haunted Mask,” “The Cuckoo Clock of Doom,” “Go Eat Worms!” and “Night of the Living Dummy.”

“Goosebumps” stars Justin Long (“Barbarian”) and Rachael Harris (“Lucifer”), alongside newcomers Zack Morris (“EastEnders”), Isa Briones (“Star Trek: Picard”), Miles McKenna (“Guilty Party”), Ana Yi Puig (“Gossip Girl”) and Will Price (“The Equalizer”).

Nicholas Stoller (“The Muppets”) and Rob Letterman (“Pokémon Detective Pikachu”) developed the series and serve as executive producers, alongside Hilary Winston (“Community”), Neal H. Moritz (“Fast & Furious” franchise”), Scholastic Entertainment’s Iole Lucchese (“Clifford the Big Red Dog”), Pavun Shetty (“The Boys”), Conor Welch (“Platonic”), Scholastic Entertainment’s Caitlin Friedman (“Stillwater”), Erin O’Malley (“New Girl”) and Kevin Murphy (“Desperate Housewives”). James Eagan (“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) and Nick Adams (“BoJack Horseman”) serve as co-executive producers.

Through September 20, new and returning customers can subscribe to Disney+ Basic (with ads) for $1.99/month for three months by visiting www.disneyplus.com.

Razer Unveils BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed Esports Gaming Headset

2023/09/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News, Trailers / Videos

Razer™, the world’s leading lifestyle brand for gamers, today unveiled the latest addition to its award-winning BlackShark headset line: the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed. This wireless, ultra-lightweight esports headset elevates the standard, delivering non-stop comfort and extraordinary performance for marathon gaming sessions. 

Heavyweight Performance in an Ultra-Light Form Factor 

Weighing a mere 280g, the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed is the lightest wireless BlackShark headset in existence. With its optimized weight reductions and improved clamping force, this headset creates a perfect seal for focused gameplay. The new headset also comes equipped with breathable hybrid fabric and plush leatherette memory foam cushions, offering unparalleled comfort that endures throughout extended gaming sessions. Comfort is the name of the game.  

Crystal-Clear Team Comms with the Razer™ HyperClear Super Wideband Mic  

At the heart of competition, team communication is key. Enter the HyperClear Super Wideband Mic, first heard on the award-winning BlackShark V2 Pro 2023. This next-generation bendable mic captures such incredible detail that every shot call sounds clear, rich, and natural, unmatched by other current wireless headsets. With high-definition, pro-level voice quality, strategizing and executing plans with your team has never sounded better. These factors position the HyperClear Super Wideband Mic at the zenith of all wireless headset mics – remaining unrivaled by its competition. Maintaining the legacy of the patented Razer™ TriForce Titanium 50 mm Drivers known for their superior audio quality, the BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed allows gamers to hear audio cues clearly. 

Robust Razer™ HyperSpeed Wireless Technology and a Staggering 70 Hours of Battery Life 

The BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed comes equipped with Razer’s industry-leading HyperSpeed Wireless Technology, ensuring maximum responsiveness and reliable connectivity. The extended cable design minimizes electronic interference, and the Razer SmartSwitch button enables smooth transitions between PC and mobile devices, making the switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity effortless with a single button press. Boasting an impressive 70-hour battery life from a single charge, gamers can stay focused on the competition without having to constantly check battery levels. When the battery does need to be replenished, the Type-C charging cable is positioned for audio transmission as well – allowing for wired usage whenever preferred or needed. 

For more information on the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed, please visit Razer.com.

PRICE & AVAILABILITY 

Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed 
$129.99 USD / €149.99 MSRP 
Razer.com, RazerStores & Authorized Resellers – September 7, 2023 

The War of the Worlds: Siberia Announcement Trailer

2023/09/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

1C Game Studios announces development of a new large-scale project, an action/adventure game called The War of the Worlds: Siberia, inspired by H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction novel.

In an alternate 1896, Earth was the target of a massive Martian invasion. The War of the Worlds: Siberia takes place in Russia, where several characters attempt to save themselves by fleeing panic-stricken Petrograd and head for the eastern end of the Russian Empire.

The War of the Worlds: Siberia features:

  • Thrilling action/adventure experience
  • Unique setting of the Russian Empire under the rule of alien invaders
  • An intricate story with memorable characters who represent classic archetypes of 19th-century Russia
  • Shootouts with dozens of weapons, from cap-lock rifles and black powder pistols to the Maxim machine gun
  • Stealth elements and spatial puzzle

“We’ve always dreamed about making a ‘What if?’ kind of game,” explains 1C Game Studios director Albert Zhiltsov. “What if the invasion wasn’t limited to Victorian Britain and instead took place all over the world? We wanted to include Russia in that story. During that period, the country was a powerful empire, plagued by internal struggles. An alien invasion is a historical trigger, much like the revolution of 1917: all the issues accumulated over the years spill out all at once.”

Andrey Shumakov, producer of The War of the Worlds: Siberia: “When we were developing the concept of Siberia, our main inspirations were emotionally resonant, narrative-heavy games that are not so common nowadays. Our primary goal is to tell an interesting and believable story, introduce the player to a cast of colorful characters and immerse them in a large-scale spectacular adventure.”

Sergei “SerB” Burkatovskiy, scriptwriter, author: “The idea of The War of the Worlds was formed almost twenty years ago, during a once-popular Video Game Developer Conference in 2005. Martian tripods against the snowy Siberian landscape, Cossacks versus aliens—how cool is that? For years this idea was slowly brewing, so to speak. We were learning to make our own games, watching what others were doing, and today the moment has finally come when we can say we’re doing this!”

Sergei “Serb” Burkatovskiy is a scriptwriter and author of novels. Sergei has been working in IT since 1997. In 2009-2014 he was the lead developer on the World of Tanks team.

Long Gone Days Announcement Trailer

2023/09/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Serenity Forge and This I Dreamt today announced that Long Gone Days, the gripping narrative-driven RPG set in a war-torn version of our world, is headed for release on Oct. 10 across PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch for $24.99. Today’s news was unveiled alongside a new trailer showcasing the game’s gorgeous pixel art and the first-person combat system players will encounter as they step into the shoes of Rourke, whose entire worldview is shattered when he enters a war he has trained for his entire life:

Rourke’s life was always predetermined. As a child of The Core, he was chosen from birth to be a sniper. Just like that, training for this role became his world. But on his first mission, he realizes that the war he’s been training for his entire life isn’t what it seems, and everything changes. Rourke never anticipated being called a deserter, but there has to be a way to stop this war and end the bloodshed: https://serenityforge.com/games/long-gone-days

In Long Gone Days, embark on a journey where you will grapple with numerous real-world complexities, including an intricate web of language barriers. Every encounter becomes a pivotal moment, as the ripples of your choices extend to shape the fates of those around you. Can you rise above these formidable barriers, forging connections that transcend linguistic confines, or will the unforgiving grasp of warfare shatter the fragile bonds you endeavor to build? The answers lie in your hands, as you navigate a narrative that delves deep into the essence of shared humanity.

Unfortunately, peace is elusive in Long Gone Days, and Rourke’s expertise as a sniper frequently comes into play. Spot and take down targets from afar or engage up-close in strategic, turn-based combat where specific parts of an enemy’s body can be targeted. Rourke’s shots will change the world and plot of Long Gone Days.

Explore diverse cities, meet grounded, realistic characters and make choices that will change lives when Long Gone Days launches on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch on Oct. 10.

Stay in the loop on all things Serenity Forge by visiting the team’s website and Twitter page.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Video Game Launches in 2024

2023/09/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Today, Outright Games, the leading global publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, under license from Paramount Consumer Products, have announced a brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game. Set in the world of the recently released, hit animated feature film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem from Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies and Point Grey, the new game releases in 2024 on consoles and PC.

Taking place months after the events of the movie, the game will feature unique visuals inspired by the film’s bold, painterly art style. Combining energetic ninja teamwork gameplay with a humorous narrative, players will take control of the Turtles as they interact with a host of memorable characters from the franchise and fight to save this stylized take on New York City from a new mutant threat.

Considered one of the most popular kids’ franchises, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned numerous blockbuster theatrical releases. The property is a global consumer products powerhouse, winning in every category that has hit shelves to date—with toys, apparel, video games, DVDs and more—and generating billions of dollars at retail.

Stephanie Malham, COO at Outright Games said, “Nickelodeon is one of our longest standing licensing collaborators and we’re overjoyed to have the opportunity to bring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life in a brand new and original video game. This is one of the most enduring and beloved franchises in the world and we’re beyond excited to use our expertise to expand the Turtles’ global reach even further through the world of video games.”

“It’s exciting to launch our first console game set in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem universe, especially as the franchise only continues to grow,” said Doug Rosen, SVP, Games and Emerging Media, Paramount. “The vibrancy of this new film’s animation lends itself perfectly to video games, and we can’t wait for everyone to play it.”

Stray Souls Fear Fest 2023 Trailer

2023/09/06
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Independent game studio Jukai Studio and Versus Evil, one of the leading independent video game publishers, announced that its mystery-driven psychological horror game Stray Souls, which is coming to PC, PlayStation 4|5 and Xbox Series S|X this Halloween, participated in Feardemic’s FEAR FEST, Black Summer and debuted a new trailer

Watch the new Stray Souls Fear Fest trailer:

In the trailer, which debuted as part of the two-day horror game celebration, meet Daniel, a teenage boy who inherits a home from his estranged grandmother. As he moves in, Daniel meets the enigmatic Martha who knows more about the house than he would expect. As night falls, dark , occult secrets hiding within the dwelling and Daniel’s past come out of the woodworks – secrets Daniel cannot seem to outrun…

Stray Souls combines beloved elements of Japanese survival horror games with an array of new tricks, including a variety of randomized systems where enemy encounters, item placement, paranormal activity and even weather patterns are always changing so no two playthroughs are exactly the same. Using the power of Metahuman technology and Unreal Engine 5, characters and environments are authentically brought to life, throwing you straight into the dread and dismay of the narrative.

Featuring new music from legendary Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka, Stray Souls creates a truly immersive experience with next gen console technologies running at 4K 60fps as well as supporting haptic feedback on PlayStation 5.

Stray Souls will release on the PC and consoles later this Halloween. Head over to the game’s Steam page for more details and to wishlist the game.

Daedalic Unveils REVEIL and Edge of Sanity at Fear Fest 2023

2023/09/06
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Daedalic Entertainment revealed two frightening new trailers for their upcoming horror titles REVEIL and Edge of Sanity today as part of Fear Fest 2023. Learn more about them by watching the trailers below!

REVEIL is a narrative first-person psycho-thriller game that focuses on story, puzzles, and exploration. Find out what’s going on inside Walter Thompson and what his dark past at the Nelson Bros Circus has to do with it.

Psychological Horror Awaits in the REVEIL Trailer:

Versatile, handcrafted puzzles, unanswered questions, captivating clues, and a disturbing psyche demand a lot from both the player and the protagonist, Walter Thompson. Can you manage to make sense of it all? Should you persevere, there is a chance to find answers to your questions.

More details can be found on the REVEIL Steam page here.

Edge of Sanity is a survival horror game with a psychological edge set in the unforgiving wilderness of a cold war-era Alaska, featuring hand-crafted 2D art and an intense atmosphere inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft.

Survive the Old Ones in the Edge of Sanity Trailer:

You were part of a resupply group helping scientists working in the Alaskan field lab. Finding the site devoid of humanity you stumble upon horrifying creatures, and during the escape, your group splits up. You were lucky enough to make it out alive and set up camp to plan your future expeditions to find your missing team and learn what happened.

Each day in this area is a tough fight for survival. Limited food and supplies, and your sanity stretching over the edge. Be prepared to improvise and look for any advantage you might have against various monstrosities. It’s all up to you whether the darkness fully consumes you or you manage to cling to what remains of your sanity.

Further details on Edge of Sanity can be found on Steam here.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Out Now on PlayStation 5

2023/09/06
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News

One month after Baldur’s Gate 3’s release on PC to a 96 rating on Metacritic and an “Overwhelmingly Positive” 95% user review score on Steam, Larian Studios has launched the next-generation Dungeons & Dragons RPG on PlayStation 5.

PlayStation 5 Features

In a post on the PlayStation Blog this week, Larian Studios posed an important question: “How exactly do you translate an uncompromising RPG to a controller without it feeling like eating a wet hotdog?”

The answer: Baldur’s Gate 3 has been built for the PS5 from day one, and much work has gone into delivering the game’s complexities in just a few buttons and triggers. Using the PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller, access to actions, spells, long rests and items becomes a matter of muscle memory.

The full post on the PS Blog goes into more detail about features like Lightbar reactivity and various controller scheme options.

Cross-Saves

Baldur’s Gate 3 features cross-save compatibility between platforms – including PC and PS5 – allowing players to carry their progress with them wherever they go. Accessing cross-saves requires players to log into a Larian account, but no PS Plus subscription or additional purchase is required.

Additional Platforms

Baldur’s Gate 3 is expected to come to Xbox Series X|S later this year and will feature split-screen co-op on Xbox Series X, as well as cross-saves between PC, PS5 and Xbox.

An official Mac release is currently planned for late September.

Hotfix #5

A hotfix released alongside Baldur’s Gate 3 on PS5 addresses PS5-specific issues and fixes a bug that blocked access to some of Minthara’s lines of dialogue. Read the attached patch notes for details.

About Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is the critically acclaimed next-generation RPG from the creators of Divinity: Original Sin 2, set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons and providing a level of breadth and depth unprecedented in a modern RPG.

More than twenty years after the release of Baldur’s Gate 2, it’s finally time to return to the Forgotten Realms. Your choices shape this tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power.

Choose from 12 classes and 11 races from the D&D Player’s Handbook and forge an identity of your own design, or play as an Origin hero with a hand-crafted background – like the Dark Urge, a fully customizable Origin character with its own unique mechanics and blood-soaked story. Whoever you choose to be, adventure, loot, battle and romance your way across the Forgotten Realms and beyond.

Gather your party and take the adventure online as a party of up to four. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, together you will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.

More information on Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on the official website.