Author - Jerry Paxton

Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller Available Now

Leading gaming accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR) today announced the global availability of its Recon™ Cloud Hybrid Controller. The Recon Cloud controller is Turtle Beach’s first foray into the mobile gaming controller category and another significant addition to the brand’s growing and widely acclaimed controller lineup, which includes the Recon Controller and REACT-R Controller. The Designed for Xbox Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller is for mobile gamers playing on compatible Android devices, on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs. The Recon Cloud controller connects to Android 8.0+ devices and compatible Windows PCs using low-latency Bluetooth® 5.0, and it has a massive 30+ hour battery life with quick, play-and-charge capability for all-day gaming when on-the-go. At home, gamers can connect the Recon Cloud to their Xbox console or Windows PC with its 10-foot braided USB cable and access to a suite of exclusive Turtle Beach audio features like Superhuman Hearing®, custom audio presets and more for the ultimate audio advantage. The Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller comes in Blue Magma or Black and is available now at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide for $99.99 MSRP.

“Both gamer and critic response to our Recon and REACT-R controllers has been unquestionably bullish, and the Cloud Controller gives Xbox and mobile gamers the same award-winning Turtle Beach controls for both the worlds they love to play in,” said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “While the Recon Cloud is the first of our expanded lineup of mobile controllers launching this year, we have additional new products designed for iOS and other platforms coming soon.”

The Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller combines the best of both worlds for mobile gamers on Xbox and PC. Gamers can play longer and in total comfort thanks to the Recon Cloud’s ergonomic shape and cooling grips. The Recon Cloud’s adjustable phone clip securely mounts all compatible Android phones – nearly any sized phone, even in its case – above the controller. When the Recon Cloud’s phone clip is detached, it can be used as a convenient tabletop stand.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Turtle Beach controller without the best-selling gaming headset brand’s exclusive signature audio features. When the Recon Cloud is connected to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs in wired mode, additional features including Superhuman Hearing to hear enemy players before they see you, EQ Presets to personalize sound, controls for Game & Chat Balance to find just the right mix, and Mic Monitoring to ensure no more yelling at others – all come into play.

The complete list of Recon Cloud Controller features includes:

  • Designed for Xbox & Cloud Gaming: Equipped with a detachable 10ft./3m braided cable for using in wired mode with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows PCs, or flip the input switch to play wirelessly on Android 8.0+ devices and Windows PCs.
  • Complimentary Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: A one-month free subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives access to an expansive library of games.
  • Long-Lasting Wireless Battery: Play mobile games for days with a 30-hour rechargeable battery, plus the controller fully recharges in just 2.5 hours.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Connect to Android 8.0+ mobile devices as well as compatible Windows PCs using the latest, low-latency Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
  • Built for Cloud Gaming: Go beyond the Xbox Game Pass library on mobile, and play controller-supported games on GeForce Now, Stadia, Steam Link, and more.
  • Responsive Controls: Play in confidence with textured triggers and bumpers, an accurate 8-way D-pad, and smooth thumbstick movement.
  • Ergonomic Cooling Grips: Micro-cooling channels and a comfortable shape keep hands cool and dry while reducing fatigue over long gaming sessions.
  • Pro-Aim Focus Mode: One of two mappable buttons, Pro-Aim tunes thumbstick sensitivity for enhanced long-range accuracy.
  • Two Mappable Quick-Action Buttons: Customize your gaming experience with two mappable buttons, allowing up to four different switchable profiles.
  • Android Mobile Companion App: Make on-the-go adjustments to control performance, check battery status, and discover new compatible games.
  • Superhuman Hearing*: From quiet footsteps sneaking up, to enemy weapon reloads, Turtle Beach’s exclusive Superhuman Hearing sound setting lets gamers hear every detail for the ultimate gaming audio advantage.
  • Turtle Beach Signature Presets*: Customize game audio with four audio EQ presets: Signature Sound, Bass Boost, Bass & Treble Boost, and Vocal Boost.
  • Immersive Vibration Feedback*: Dual rumble motors in the handles and triggers offer enhanced feedback for ultra-realistic next-gen gameplay.
  • 3.5mm Headset Connection*: Take advantage of proven Turtle Beach audio enhancements by plugging in any 3.5mm connected headset.
  • Mic Monitoring*: Hear and adjust the volume of your own voice to avoid shouting while chatting.
  • Game & Chat Mix*: Conveniently located game & chat mix controls.

*Features only available in wired mode.

Kalypso Media Owner Simon Hellwig has Passed Away

Kalypso Media Group are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Simon Hellwig, company owner, and joint Managing Director.

As was always planned for Simon’s succession and the future of the business, Dr. Anika Thun will continue to lead as Managing Director with the support of senior management and the entire company group. Simon leaves behind a hugely successful business and legacy that we, as a group, endeavor to maintain. Simon’s vision was clear, and we are committed to fulfilling it and continuing the growth of the company in honor of his legacy.

Simon co-founded Kalypso Media in 2006 and oversaw its notable growth. Now proudly standing at over 200 global employees at offices across Germany, England, France, Japan, and North America, the group currently includes the digital label Kasedo Games and five development studios: Realmforge Studios, Gaming Minds Studios, Claymore Game Studios, Nine Worlds Studios, and Bulwark Studios.

Simon’s business acumen and affection for the video games industry began from an early age. Whilst others were developing homemade games in their bedrooms, Simon instead would buy and sell them to magazines. His love of one of the earliest play-by-mail strategy games, Gladius et Pilum, combined not only his interests in gaming and history but also established a lifelong passion for historical strategy games. This enthusiasm for the industry culminated in his diploma thesis, ‘Development of a Business Plan for the Foundation of a Company in the Entertainment Software Industry’ which would go on to define the expectations and aims of the Kalypso Media Group. These goals were met and exceeded over the last sixteen years, in which Simon and his team grew Kalypso to become a name in the industry that continues to stand for quality strategy and simulation games.

Kalypso Media has lost an enormously well-respected leader and friend. Throughout his sixteen years at the helm, Simon consistently inspired those around him through his dedication to his team, the business, and the wider industry. His brilliant vision and his endless enthusiasm knew no bounds, and he will be immensely missed by his Kalypso Media family and friends within the industry. As a family business, Anika and Simon were united as partners in every way, and this loss is immeasurable. Our thoughts are with all those who were dear to him.

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Official Launch Trailer

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, is a 4v1 hunt or haunt action-packed video game that launches today, from the asymmetrical multiplayer experts at IllFonic. Rated E for Everyone, this game will have full crossplay support available on PC/Epic Games Store, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One for $39.99.

In Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, Ray and Winston open the Firehouse to you and the next generation of Ghostbusters. This asymmetrical game of hide and seek, is a 4v1 setup where players will either play as part of a team of new Ghostbusters or a singular Ghost. This title not only allows players to enjoy the game solo or with up to four friends, but will also have an online and offline single-player mode available in the form of AI assisted play. Most importantly the more you play a story will unravel (with cutscenes.) Whether hunting or haunting, the game is easy to learn and fun to master!

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed has all the iconic gear and gadgets, from Proton Packs to PKE Meters and Ghost Traps, that fans would expect and new gamers to the universe will enjoy when playing as a Ghostbuster. In addition, many will recognize the Firehouse and Ray’s Occult Books that act as the game’s hub. This is where players will choose missions, customize their characters, practice firing their particle throwers, and explore all there is to learn. And yes, you will hear the original film actors reprising their roles as Ray Stantz and Winston Zeddemore, along with some new friends!

Game Details –

– As a Ghostbuster – Be one of the four proton pack wielding Ghostbusters and attempt to catch a Ghost haunting unique locations with your trusty ghost trap and tools. Use the PKE Meter to sniff out rifts that act as the Ghost’s spawn points and destroy them with your Proton Pack’s particle thrower before the Ghost completes their haunt. As players progress, they will unlock cosmetics and upgrades for both Ghostbusters and Ghosts to evolve their gameplay experiences. The look and feel will deliver to fans an immersive experience in the universe, allowing them to play out their Ghostbusting fantasies.

– As the Ghost – Ghosts have multiple abilities in their arsenal, like possessing objects, of course sliming, and more, that make haunting all the various locations a blast to play. Choose from up to five Ghosts with unique skills, ultimate abilities, and commendable minions fueled by ectoplasm. Fly around public locations and possess an inordinate amount of inanimate objects to evade pursuing Ghostbusters. Frighten citizens until they flee in fear, prank unsuspecting Ghostbusters, and hide your rifts to spawn safely in case you get trapped.

– Locations – Explore multiple unique locations including, a museum, winter lodge, docked ship, multi-leveled prison, and an active brewery. Complete challenges, customize your Ghostbuster and Ghosts, and locate hidden spores, mold, and fungus to gain access to more unlockables.

Need for Speed Unbound Gameplay Trailer

EA & Criterion have released a new Need for Speed™ Unbound gameplay trailer that gives players a closer look at the risk and reward of building up Heat with every race on the streets of Lakeshore. Once the cops are called in, players must be ready to hit the pedal.

Feel the heat rising in the Need for Speed Unbound Risk & Reward gameplay trailer here:

In Need for Speed Unbound, players have to take risks to get to the top. Choose how and when to put it all on the line, pulling huge drifts on the street, outdriving the cops, or placing side bets with their own earnings against rival racers. Time is money, so players must find the fastest way to earn enough cash to enter the weekly qualifiers and make it to Lakeshore’s ultimate race, The Grand.

Need for Speed Unbound is built for the new generation of technology and will feature 4K resolution at 60 FPS for the first time in the series when it launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on December 2, 2022.

For more details on Need for Speed Unbound, visit: https://www.ea.com/games/need-for-speed/need-for-speed-unbound

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway Launch Trailer

Hit the gas! Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway races home today on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam for $49.99. This fast-paced, action-packed racing game is the biggest entry in the series yet, with a cast of 40 iconic characters from Nickelodeon’s huge roster of fan-favorite franchises, as well as 36 outlandish tracks sporting new watercraft sections, massive customization options and more.

Fans can also grab Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway – Turbo Edition on digital stores today for $59.99, featuring the full base game plus a variety of exclusive content, including:

  • Two Bonus Racers: Play as Zuko, the Fire Nation prince of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the Eastman & Laird throwback version of Raphael from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
  • Two Bonus Crew Members: Fire Lord Ozai from Avatar: The Last Airbender and Shredder from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
  • Bonus Kart Cosmetics: Customize your ride with special slime-style parts and Kids’ Choice Awards paint jobs!

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway delivers a colossal combination of high-speed hijinks and havoc across multiple game modes in single-player plus local split-screen and online multiplayer. Drift, slide and boost your way to the finish line on dozens of tracks inspired by classic Nickelodeon shows like SpongeBob SquarePantsTeenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesAvatar: The Last Airbender and more!

Key Game Features

  • 40 Legendary Characters: Choose from 40 of your favorite racers from across the wide world of Nickelodeon’s many beloved shows.
  • Voice Acting: Experience the competition like never before with voice-over, a major first for the series!
  • 36 Intense Tracks: Discover slime-filled alternate paths on 36 new and classic courses.
  • New Kart Challenges: Transform your kart or bike into watercraft to navigate all-new terrain.
  • Huge Customization Options: Pair Raphael with the Reptar-mobile, change paint jobs and parts, and choose from over 90 crew members with unique abilities to give you the edge.
  • Play Together: Challenge your friends in four-player split-screen local play, as well as online multiplayer for up to 12 players!
  • Arena Mode: Face off directly with other racers in the mayhem-filled Arena mode!

For more on Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway, visit https://nickkartracers.com.

Buddy Simulator 1984 Nintendo Switch Trailer

Play with your buddy at home, outside, or wherever you like. Horror publisher Feardemic is bringing Buddy Simulator 1984 to Nintendo Switch right before Halloween! Don’t leave your buddy hanging.

Feardemic knows all about horror, and they also know how the biggest horror of all is that you all love playing with your buddies at home, but you can’t always bring them along with you on crazy adventures like touching grass or doing a grocery run. Fortunately, though, they say, science has finally blessed us with a remedy. Feardemic is bringing Buddy Simulator 1984 to Nintendo Switch this Halloween. Are you ready to play?

Paper Cut Mansion Release Date Trailer

Thunderful & Space Lizard Studios are delighted to announce that their mysterious cardboard cut-out thriller, Paper Cut Mansion, is set to be released on 27th October 2022 for PC, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 versions will follow soon after.

In Paper Cut Mansion you play as Toby, a police detective arriving at the road leading to the eponymous old mansion. You will need to put those detective skills to the test as you seek to unfold the story behind this ominous place, with each run giving you the opportunity to collect another piece of evidence to be tacked on the Evidence Board.

An intriguing cast of characters will be met along your journey through the mansion and may help or hinder you: some will offer you quests that can earn you helpful rewards, some will try to hide and some have more malicious intent toward you.

In each unique run, you will unlock new abilities and discover new equipment. This will offer you the opportunity of defining your own playstyle, in addition to giving you a better chance of overcoming the challenges each procedurally generated attempt throws your way. Intrigue is further added through a dimension-hopping mechanic that lets you leap between alternate versions of the same location that switch up the aesthetics and gameplay.

“As a small team, we’ve poured a lot of blood, sweat and tears into Paper Cut Mansion,” said Space Lizard Studios’ Gabriele Caruso. “So nothing makes me more excited than finally getting to see that effort pay off when players get their hands on it on 27th October on PC and Xbox, and very soon after that on PlayStation and Switch.”

World of Tanks Celebrates 40th Anniversary of G.I. JOE

The legendary G.I. JOE: Real American Hero toy line marks its 40th anniversary and World of Tanks is proud to join the celebration of this major milestone. In 1982, G. I. JOE 33⁄4 in. action figures arrived on toy shelves, delivering a new and adventurous play experience that has endured for decades. World of Tanks commemorates this milestone for the G.I. JOE franchise with new 3D styles, new female commanders, G.I. JOE themed web event, and retro-awesome decals, emblems, and inscriptions for each faction.

Coming to take control of the battlefield; Hasbro’s iconic G.I. JOE characters, Cover Girl and The Baroness (in Crimson Strike Force uniform) as World of Tanks commanders. Both commanders are ready for any challenge the fight may bring. But what is an experienced commander without an equally formidable vehicle? Available to players will be two 3D styles inspired G.I. JOE vehicles: Cover Girl’s WOLVERINE and COBRA C.A.T.

The G.I. JOE WOLVERINE WoT Edition is for the Strv S1 tank, The Baroness’ C.A.T. (Crimson Attack Tank) WoT Edition is for M54 Renegade tank.

More adventure awaits with a challenging G.I. JOE themed web event where players may redeem codes to receive emblems dedicated to the G.I. JOE 40th anniversary, and coupons to purchase G.I. JOE branded styles with a discount.

New decals and emblems will be available to mark this special event. Headlining the customization elements is the commemorative, customized G.I. JOE 40th anniversary emblem. Tankers will also get unique decals featuring the legendary G.I. JOE WOLVERINE and the COBRA C.A.T. (Crimson Attack Tank), depicted in all the retro-glory of their original package art. Emblems include the G.I. JOE Star and the COBRA insignia.

Scorn Official Launch Trailer

Prepare to depart on a nightmarish adventure, one with sights and sounds that may be difficult to forget. Scorn, the H.R. Giger-inspired horror game from developer Ebb Software and publisher Kepler Interactive is out today. Those with a stomach for the grotesque and macabre can pick up the game on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store and GoG, or directly from www.scorn-game.com. Scorn is also available on Xbox Game Pass starting today.

Today’s launch trailer serves as a warning that those who enter the depths of Scorn’s world will leave it changed. With no assistance, players will learn to deal with the horrors that call this dilapidated world their home by using their arsenal of biomechanical weapons to scrape through unscathed.

Tasked with navigating a desolate and interconnected bio-labyrinth, the only way to make it through is by learning the rules of this nightmarish place and manipulating the cruel machinery left there. By piecing together these secrets and using the organic tools available to you, surviving this world may just be possible. Finding the truth, however, is an entirely different question.

Scorn is available now on Xbox Series X|S (day one with Xbox Game Pass) and PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store and GoG). To purchase, visit https://scorn-game.com.

City Bus Manager Release Date Trailer

Bus simulation experts PeDePe and publishing powerhouse Aerosoft are almost ready to release City Bus Manager, this November 10! The bus tycoon allows players to build their own depot from the ground up, in almost any desired location on the planet. Using OpenStreetMap, PeDePe has taken realism to a whole new level, allowing players to use the real world as their playing map.

On November 10, City Bus Manager will be officially dropping on Steam Early Access on a one-week 11% discount from its original price of 27,99€/$. Save the date, or let Steam save it for you by wishlisting the title here!

In City Bus Manager, players have the choice to place their depot in any desired real life location (with the exception of China). Build your depot in Paris or Milan, Lagos or LA… or even on top of your own house! PeDePe has also integrated the bus stops and points of interest from OpenStreetMap, allowing players to plan their routes accordingly. Could your local network do with an upgrade? Think you can improve on your capital’s current system, and get those tourists to all your favourite landmarks? Show the public what you’ve got!

City Bus Manager also makes use of real life data to simulate passenger behaviours and route travel times, so players can schedule their buses when they are most needed. With all this data in your hands, it’s up to you to see how far your company can grow.

Making your depot and company feel like your own was a priority for PeDePe – so players will be able to construct their bus depots as they please, allowing budding bus business moguls to focus on staff satisfaction and retention, client comfort, schedule reliability, wages, ticket prices, bus cleanliness and so much more. With over twenty different bus models, and the option to repaint your busses as you like, players can truly tap into their inner tycoon!

Will you take over your city as the main provider of public transport, or will you find yourself dealing with one too many unhappy customers?

Key Features:

  • Play in every city and country worldwide (except China)
  • Real satellite data, bus stops and POIs from OpenStreetMap
  • Create your own routes in your city
  • Track your buses live with realistic passenger volume and route plan
  • Build your very own depot
  • Maintain your buses with spare parts management, washing and repair stations
  • 20 different bus models (including custom repaints)
  • Manage your employees and hire reliable and experienced staff
  • Service centre with ticket sales
  • Passenger feedback and reviews
  • Extensive tech tree

“City Bus Manager is one of our most intricate releases to date, having worked on all aspects of the title for over two years now, we cannot wait for players to get their hands on the early access release ” said Niklas Polster, co-founder at PeDePe. “Players will be able to approach the game in a vast variety of ways, and we are excited to see how our members of our community will embark on the development of their very own bus company, and in some sense, of the game itself as it journeys through Early Access!”

“The team over at PeDePe is producing an incredibly exciting and ambitious title” said Maarten Janello, Product Manager at Aerosoft. “We have been following the development of City Bus Manager closely from day one, and the scope of the project is fascinating – we cannot wait to see what players will get up to once they jump in!”