Author - Jerry Paxton

Super Nintendo World Open Now at Universal Studios Hollywood

2023/02/17

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it is “game on” as enthusiastic guests enter the giant green pipe into the Mushroom Kingdom to experience the highly immersive and interactive land to become an integral part of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach’s exhilarating universe.

On hand to help officiate today’s opening were Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow, Nintendo Co. Ltd. and Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood who were joined by Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach and throngs of very exuberant fans and guests.

“Today’s grand opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is very exciting, and we are thrilled to share it with our team members, fans and guests who have been enthusiastically waiting for this day to arrive,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “This is truly one of the most dynamic moments in the history of Universal Studios Hollywood, and we are very proud of our partnership with Nintendo to bring to life a new genre of highly immersive, next level interactive theme park entertainment.”

“It has been such an honor to work closely with Universal Parks & Resorts and Universal Creative to help bring the Mushroom Kingdom, where Mario and friends live, to life here at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD,” said Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow, Nintendo Co. Ltd. “We hope people of all ages will enjoy visiting the Mushroom Kingdom in real life and experiencing all the interactive surprises this land has to offer. As Mario would say, ‘Let’s-a go!”

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an all-new, visually spectacular land, located within an expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. Within the vibrancy of colors and architectural ingenuity, the land features the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many interactive activities to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom.

Along with themed dining at Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park.

From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits that is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Their journey begins as they enter Peach’s Castle before venturing further into the colorful Mushroom Kingdom. At a glance, this is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD:

“Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge”: This all-new, technologically advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart™ video game series, seamlessly fuses cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track. Set against a multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound and movement, guests are seated in stadium-style, four-seat vehicles as they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head mounted AR goggles. This unique feature is a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions.

The premise of “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is simple but equally inspiring and challenging, appealing to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting digital coins to defeat Team Bowser and win. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes.

Mount Beanpole: This towering landmark sits at the heart of the land and also serves as the entry queue for “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”

Bowser’s Castle: Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of a large and powerful Bowser, this structure serves as a key centerpiece of the land, home to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s signature ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” As guests navigate the corridors and pass through the hall of medallions and trophies of the ominous castle towards the ride, they learn more about Bowser’s calculated plans to defeat Team Mario for the coveted Golden Cup.

Power-Up Band™: These wearable, state-of-the-art wristbands sync with the official Universal Studios Hollywood’s free downloadable app to level-up the guest experience within the land and enhance its many interactive elements. These include, but are not limited to, keeping individual and team scores, collecting digital coins and obtaining keys after winning Key Challenges throughout the land. When riding “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the app. The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores. Guests with a Power-Up Band may enjoy an enhanced experience when meeting Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. They are available in six design options with character themes and can be purchased both within the land and at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located within the theme park and on Universal CityWalk Hollywood.

Interactive Gameplay: Within the land, guests can enjoy many interactive areas, including punching ? Blocks to collect digital coins. They will discover a new dimension of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD via the interactive binoculars positioned within the land, employing augmented reality technology. Guests can also collect keys after winning the Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three keys will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.

Toadstool Cafe™: The land’s signature restaurant Toadstool Cafe serves a delicious menu perfected by Chef Toad where he greets guests upon entry. Menu items prepared fresh daily include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger, ? Block Tiramisu and Princess Peach Cupcake.

1-UP Factory: What better way to commemorate a visit to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD than to visit the 1-UP Factory retail shop to purchase collectable memorabilia. The 1-UP Factory offers an extensive selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi themed apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi and Bowser.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo® and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.

For more information and details, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Corsair Unveils Do it Yourself Curated PC Build Kits

2023/02/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Hardware News, News

CORSAIR®, a world leader in high-performance gear and systems for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts, today announced the launch of new CORSAIR BUILD KITS. CORSAIR BUILD KITS are pre-selected sets of PC components that make it easier than ever to get started building a PC. Everything you need is included, from the motherboard, Intel® CPU, NVIDIA® graphics card, and memory down to the case, cooler, PSU, and even a toolkit, with high-quality CORSAIR components hand-picked by experts to guarantee compatibility and optimal performance. Skip the compatibility research and hunting for inventory – building your own PC has never been easier.

CORSAIR BUILD KITS launch in four different tiers; ULTRA, ELITE, PRO, and CORE, ranging from performance topping powerhouse to affordable entry point. ULTRA is the pinnacle of CORSAIR BUILD KITS, offering a top-of-the-line PC experience loaded with today’s most powerful PC hardware. An NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, Intel Core i9 13900K CPU and 32GB of CORSAIR RGB DDR5 DRAM are ready to tear through today’s most demanding games at maximum detail and 4K resolution, supported by a CORSAIR iCUE H100 Elite Capellix CPU Liquid Cooler, 2TB M.2 NVME storage, CORSAIR RM1000X 1000W Gold PSU, CORSAIR iCUE SP 120 RGB Elite Fans, and a CORSAIR iCUE 4000X RGB case.

Build Kit Contents

The ELITE kit is your go-to choice for a high-end system, ready to take on challenges like high frame-rate gaming, content creation, and VR. An NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GPU, Intel Core i7 13700K processor, 32GB of Vengeance RGB PRO RS DDR4 DRAM, 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe, iCUE H100i Elite RGB Liquid CPU Cooler, CORSAIR 750 Watt 80 PLUS® PSU, and six SP120 RGB ELITE fans offer a powerful array of hardware and cooling that’s able to master the most demanding of games and tasks.

The PRO kit offers a capable combination of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, Intel Core i5 13600K processor, 16GB of Vengeance RGB PRO RS DDR4 DRAM, 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe and a CORSAIR 650 Watt 80 PLUS® PSU, with cooling courtesy of an iCUE H100i Elite RGB Liquid CPU Cooler and three SP120 RGB ELITE fans. The PRO also offers plenty of visual flare and personalization options with the addition of RGB lighting, controlled from iCUE software.

Finally, the CORE kit is a great entry point, whether as a first gaming PC or a long, overdue upgrade. Jump into the game with the power of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, Intel Core i5 13400F processor, Intel Air Cooler, ASUS B660-PLUS DDR4 motherboard, 16GB of CORSAIR Vengeance LPX DDR4 DRAM, 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe, CORSAIR 550 Watt 80 PLUS® PSU, two fans, and a CORSAIR 4000D Airflow Case.

Build Kit Tiers

Whether you’re a first-time builder or seasoned veteran, CORSAIR BUILD KITS enable you to assemble your next PC at your own pace. With a library of reference videos created to guide you through the entire build process step-by-step, and all the necessary tools and instructions included. Each BUILD KIT even comes with the Windows 11 operating system pre-installed on its SSD, getting you up-and-running even faster, and is backed by a 2-year warranty, and CORSAIR’s world-class support.

Whether you’re building for yourself, or together with a friend, loved one, or family member as a gift, pick out the CORSAIR BUILD KIT of your choice and prepare to start your PC-building journey.

Availability, Warranty, and Pricing

The ELITE, PRO, and CORE BUILD KITS are available immediately from the CORSAIR webstore in the United States. The ULTRA BUILD KIT will be available later in Q1 2023. For up-to-date availability information, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

CORSAIR BUILD KITS are backed by a two-year warranty, alongside the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of the CORSAIR BUILD KITS, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

To learn more about CORSAIR BUILD KITS, please visit:
https://corsair.com/us/en/corsair-build-kits

To see the CORSAIR BUILD KITS Quick Start Guide and instructional videos please visit:
https://www.corsair.com/guides/buildkit

Firaxis Games Heather Hazen Promoted to Studio Head

2023/02/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Industry News, News

2K today announced that industry veteran and Firaxis Games Chief Operating Officer, Heather Hazen, has been promoted to Studio Head, ushering in a new era of development at the legendary interactive entertainment studio behind Sid Meier’s Civilization, XCOM, and the recently-released and critically-acclaimed Marvel’s Midnight Suns.

As Studio Head, Hazen will manage Firaxis Games’ development teams and lead its mission to build the best strategy games on the planet. With 22 years of experience in gaming and entertainment, Hazen joined Firaxis Games in 2020 as the studio’s Chief Operating Officer. Prior to Firaxis Games, she was an Executive Producer on Fortnite at Epic Games, as well as Plants vs. Zombies and Bejeweled while at PopCap Games. Hazen’s promotion comes as longtime Firaxis Studio Head, Steve Martin, will be leaving the studio after more than 25 years with the organization.

“We are excited to welcome Heather Hazen as the new Studio Head of Firaxis Games, and believe she will continue to drive the success Firaxis has consistently delivered as part of 2K’s independent studio model,” said David Ismailer, President of 2K. “2K and Firaxis Games are deeply grateful for the foundation that Steve Martin set during his time at the studio, shepherding more than 30 game launches across three genre-defining franchises, and for ensuring a smooth transition for Heather into her new role. Firaxis is one of our company and industry’s most renowned studios, and we are confident that the team will continue to do great things under her leadership.”

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to carry on the studio’s storied legacy, beginning with the announcement that Firaxis is in development on the next iteration of the legendary Civilization franchise,” said Hazen. “I’m lucky to be working with some of the best developers in our industry, and we have plans to take the Civilization franchise to exciting new heights for our millions of players around the world. In addition, we will continue to support Marvel’s Midnight Suns with post-launch content, and explore new creative projects for our teams.”

Ed Beach will continue in his role as Creative Director on the forthcoming Civilization. Beach has been an integral part of the development of Civilization titles for more than 15 years, and most recently led the design of Civilization VI, the best-selling Civilization game to-date. The Civilization franchise is one of gaming’s most definitive and decorated franchises, with more than 65 million copies sold to-date.

In addition, Jake Solomon, former Creative Director of the XCOM franchise and Marvel’s Midnight Suns, will be departing the studio. Solomon leaves after over two decades at Firaxis Games, and was instrumental in revitalizing the tactical turn-based genre with the releases of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2, and Marvel’s Midnight Suns.

“I’m embarking on a new chapter; however, I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my dreams at Firaxis Games,” said Solomon. “I’m thankful to everyone who enjoyed XCOM and Marvel’s Midnight Suns, and to my development and publishing partners who helped bring those games to life.”

“Jake revolutionized tactical turn-based games and continually raised the bar for storytelling in the strategy genre,” added Ismailer. “We have deep appreciation for his work and can’t wait to see what he does next.”

Firaxis Games is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

Super Nintendo World Gets Big Opening Celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood

2023/02/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Trailers / Videos

Universal Studios Hollywood rolled out the red carpet to mark the eagerly-awaited arrival of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ to the world-renowned Southern California theme park. The energetic event was punctuated by a momentous countdown, spectacular fireworks display and special appearances by Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach, signaling the opening of this incredibly interactive and immersive land. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD officially opens to the public on Friday, February 17, 2023.

Joining in the celebration were Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow, Nintendo Co., Ltd; Shinya Takahashi, Director, Member of the Board, Senior Managing Executive Officer; Nintendo Co., Ltd.; Jeff Shell, CEO, NBCUniversal; Mark Woodbury, Chairman & CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, Tom Mehrmann, President & COO, Pacific Rim, Universal Parks & Resorts; and Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood.

Mario Kart!

“The opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD represents one of the most exciting times in the history of Universal Studios Hollywood and is truly emblematic of the extraordinary entertainment experiences we create within our theme park portfolio,” said Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts. “Collaborating with Nintendo and the creative genius of Shigeru Miyamoto to bring their gaming world to life as part of an entirely new theme park entertainment genre has been incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to sharing this innovative land and groundbreaking ride with our guests.”

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an all-new, visually spectacular land, located within an expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. Within the vibrancy of colors and architectural ingenuity, the land features the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom.

Along with themed dining at Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD sweeps guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach where they become an integral part of their exhilarating universe. At a glance, this is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD:

“Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge”: This all-new, technologically advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart™ video game series, seamlessly fuses cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track. Set against a multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound and movement, guests will be seated in stadium-style, four-seat vehicles as they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head mounted AR goggles. This unique feature is a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions.

The premise of “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is simple but equally inspiring and challenging, appealing to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting digital coins to defeat Team Bowser and win. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes.

Mount Beanpole: This towering landmark sits at the heart of the land and also serves as the entry queue for “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”
Bowser’s Castle: Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of a large and powerful Bowser, this structure serves as a key centerpiece of the land, home to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s signature ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” As guests navigate the corridors and pass through the hall of medallions and trophies of the ominous castle towards the ride, they will learn more about Bowser’s calculated plans to defeat Team Mario for the coveted Golden Cup.
Power-Up Band™: These wearable, state-of-the-art wristbands sync with the official Universal Studios Hollywood’s free downloadable app to level-up the guest experience within the land and enhance its many interactive elements. These include, but are not limited to, keeping individual and team scores, collecting digital coins and obtaining keys after winning Key Challenges throughout the land. When riding “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the app. The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores. Guests with a Power-Up Band may enjoy an enhanced experience when meeting Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. They are available in six design options with character themes and can be purchased both within the land and at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located within the theme park and on Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
Interactive Gameplay: Within the land, guests can enjoy many interactive areas, including punching ? Blocks to collect digital coins. They will discover a new dimension of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD via the interactive binoculars positioned within the land, employing augmented reality technology. Guests can also collect keys after winning the Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three keys will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.
Toadstool Cafe™: The land’s signature restaurant Toadstool Café will serve a delicious menu perfected by Chef Toad where he greets guests upon entry. Menu items prepared fresh daily include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger, ? Block Tiramisu and Princess Peach Cupcake.
1-UP Factory: What better way to commemorate a visit to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD than to visit the 1-UP Factory retail shop to purchase collectable memorabilia. The 1-UP Factory offers an extensive selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi themed apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach and Bowser.

For more information and details, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Razer Unveils BlackWidow V4 Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

2023/02/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripherals News

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the new Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, a full blown battlestation keyboard packed with features for gamers and PC enthusiasts to perfect their gaming set-up. With the new Razer Command Dial, dedicated macro keys, comprehensive Razer Chroma RGB lighting, Razer Mechanical Switches and dedicated media controls, this is the ultimate keyboard for every PC gamer.

This latest iteration in Razer’s award winning BlackWidow line of keyboards has a host of features to suit every gamer. The Command Dial gives advanced controls and shortcuts for desktop apps and in games. In addition, dedicated macro keys allow for complex actions to be executed with one button press during heated gameplay moments. The keyboard also boasts per-key Razer Chroma RGB lighting and a multi-zone RGB underglow lighting. This allows for near limitless customization options and in-game immersion.

“The BlackWidow line has been loved by gamers ever since it was first launched in 2010,” said Barrie Ooi, Head of Razer’s PC Gaming Division. “The BlackWidow V4 Pro features an easily customizable Razer Command Dial and dedicated macro keys, providing users with even more control. The keyboard also features 3-side keyboard underglow and per-key lighting that works seamlessly with the Razer Chroma RGB lighting ecosystem to offer a truly immersive gaming experience.”

Customization and Control

The Command Dial is preset with 8 default modes, from window zooming to browser tab switching. Furthermore, users can program the dial with up to 100 Custom Modes, allowing them to map both clockwise and counter-clockwise action of the dial to their preferred action. For day-to-day use, users can program multiple application shortcuts, such as Photoshop brush size adjustment, timeline jogging, and more. Each mode can be toggled with a simple click of the Command Dial and easily identified by the color-coded backlight of the dial.

There are 5 macro keys placed to the left of the main keyboard layout for easy access. These can be used to activate complex actions, all programmable either through Razer Synapse or with on-the-fly macro recording. Additionally, the keyboard boasts 3 macro keys along its edge, providing a total of 8 conveniently positioned macro keys on the keyboard.

Immersive Razer Chroma RGB

The BlackWidow V4 Pro is designed for all-out immersion through Razer Chroma RGB. The keyboard comes with per-key lighting, shining brightly through the transparent switch housing for a brighter, more vivid RGB effect. This is amplified by equally bright 38-zone underglow lighting, which is extended onto the magnetically attached plush leatherette wrist rest, giving even more RGB immersion to the user.

Through Razer Synapse, users can not only synchronize all their Razer Chroma RGB enabled devices together, but also with other 3rd party Chroma Connect products. For gamers, there are over 200 Chroma-integrated games, where the RGB lighting reacts according to the actions or situations that are happening in-game.

Packed with Extra Features

The keyboard features the latest generation of Razer’s mechanical switches with the option of Green Clicky switches for tactile feedback, or Yellow Linear switches for a smooth and silent action. Both variants of the switches have undergone further testing and are now rated for up to 100-million keystrokes.

Some other notable features include: USB 2.0 passthrough, detachable Type C connections, a durable 5052 aluminum alloy top case, dual-angle kickstands, and up to 8000 Hz polling rate. Lastly, the keyboard includes 2 layers of sound dampening foam internally and factory-lubricated stabilizers for improved typing acoustics.

Boasting an abundance of macro keys, the new Razer Command Dial, and a full coverage RGB lighting, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is the ultimate immersive battlestation keyboard.

ABOUT THE BLACKWIDOW V4 PRO

Razer™ Mechanical Switches (Linear/Clicky)
Razer Chroma™ RGB
Razer™ Synapse enabled
5052 Aluminum Alloy Top Case
Doubleshot ABS Keycaps
Razer™ Command Dial
5 dedicated macros keys
3 dedicated macro side keys
Dedicated media roller with 4 dedicated media buttons
USB 2.0 Passthrough
Detachable Type C Cables
Case foam & PCB foam included
Lubricated stabilizers
Magnetic plush leatherette wrist rest
2-side underglow on main chassis with 3-side underglow on wrist-rest
Hybrid on-board storage for up to 5 profiles
Up to 8,000 Hz polling rate

For more information on the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, please visit here.

For more information on how Razer empowers you to #WinItYourWay, please see here.

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

$229.99 USD / 269.99€ MSRP

Razer.com, RazerStores & Authorized Resellers – February 16th, 2023

Cities: Skylines – Remastered Official Launch Trailer

2023/02/16

Jerry Paxton

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

Paradox Interactive today launched Cities: Skylines – Remastered, an enhanced and specially optimized edition of Cities Skylines for PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. Cities: Skylines – Remastered is available now for a suggested retail price of 39.99 USD / 34.99 GBP / 39.99 EUR.

All players who own Cities: Skylines PlayStation®4 or Xbox One edition can also download the Remastered edition for free on their respective consoles as well as the Remastered DLCs up until the Airports expansion (more will be released in the coming months). In addition, players who purchase the Remastered edition on current-gen consoles, are able to download the PlayStation®4 or Xbox One editions.

Cities: Skylines – Remastered takes the robust city-simulation game to a higher level and leverages the power of current-generation consoles. With the addition of buildable tiles, a map editor, and more, plus improved graphical performances, this remastered version for PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S is the biggest and best Cities: Skylines console experience to date.Cities: Skylines – Remastered upgrades include:

25 buildable tiles – that’s 16 additional tiles from Cities: Skylines on Xbox One and PlayStation®4!
Quick selection tool
UX Improvements, such as precision placements, distance indicator and updated snapping options
New environmental controls panel allowing players to adjust time of day, rain, fog, and environment coloring
Map editor
An overall graphic performance increase

Cities: Skylines Main Features
Build the city of your dreams: plan road networks, bus lines and parks. Bring on a smog-filled industrial revolution or create a quiet beach town ideal for tourists powered by renewable energy. Bring education, healthcare and safety to your citizens. Build it your way!

Multi-tiered and challenging simulation
Playing as the mayor of your city, you’ll be faced with balancing essential requirements such as education, water electricity, police, firefighting, healthcare and much more, along with your city’s economy. Citizens within your city react fluidly, keeping you on your toes with ever-evolving demands.

Extensive local traffic simulation
Managing traffic and the needs of your citizens to work and play will require the use of several interactive transport systems – use careful road planning alongside buses, trains, subways, and much more.

Districts and policies
Be more than just another city hall official! Create a car-free downtown area, assign free public transport to your waterfront, or ban pets in suburbia. Designate parts of your city as a district in order to set policy at the local level, and give different parts of town their own personalities.

After Dark expansion included
Watch your city become an entirely different place at night: a day-night cycle will have your citizens seeking out places to unwind after work. Add in new policies and zones to create popular hotspots and provide enough taxis and trains to get to and from the clubs!

Dead by Daylight Tools Of Torment Official Trailer Released

2023/02/16

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

Dead by Daylight’s 27th Chapter Tools Of Torment returns to modern times, introducing some twisted new tech to The Entity’s Realm. Players can step into the tactical boots of The Skull Merchant, a brutal new Killer, or test the bond between Thalita and Renato Lyra, siblings fighting for their lives in The Fog. Tools Of Torment also brings an update to the Shelter Woods Map which will now include The Skull Merchant’s Hunting Camp.

Modern Slasher, Modern Tools

The Skull Merchant, known within the business world as Adriana Imai, is Dead by Daylight’s first original modern female slasher. A wealthy high-powered tech executive, she splits her life between aggressively buying and absorbing smaller companies as her public persona, and quenching her bloodlust in the guise of her alter ego. For The Skull Merchant, the thrill is truly in the hunt. With designs on becoming an apex hunter in a world of prey, she dedicates her ample resources towards the search for worthy adversaries to pit herself against.

The Skull Merchant’s Power is Eyes in the Sky. Another Dead by Daylight milestone, Eyes in the Sky puts modern tech in a Killer’s hands for the first time, allowing her to position 4 Drones to surveil Survivors. While The Skull Merchant certainly has the means of purchasing the best of the best, she seeks to connect with every kill by building these Drones herself. Each Drone is crafted around the skull of a former victim, combining bone and tech to achieve a grisly handmade quality. Survivors will need to strategize on ways to avoid and disable these hovering horrors before their maker is alerted…

Blood Bonds

Hailing from Brazil, the sister and brother duo of Thalita and Renato Lyra are the first Survivor siblings to be pulled into The Fog together. A direct contrast of values from the brutal single-mindedness of The Skull Merchant, Thalita and Renato served as beacons of light within their community, using their kite-flying business to mentor children from the area. Positive, creative, and caring, working as a team is second nature to the siblings, making them ideal additions to any group of Survivors.

These qualities are best reflected in the unique Teamwork Perks, which benefit those who choose to work together.

Deadly Luxury

The Skull Merchant has set up her Hunting Camp in the existing Map of MacMillan Estate’s Shelter Woods. Formed from multiple connected shipping containers dropped into an area, The Hunting Camp is a true representation of both sides of Adriana Imai’s twisted world. The upper container is the Killer’s executive suite: clean, luxurious, and equipped with only premium commodities. Beneath it lies the Grim Workshop. Bathed in oil and blood, this is where The Skull Merchant tinkers to build her tools… and where she also houses many of her gruesome trophies.

Tools Of Torment is available on March 7, 2023, on Steam, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Epic Games Store, Windows Store, and Nintendo Switch.

Pharaoh: A New Era Official Launch Trailer

2023/02/16

Jerry Paxton

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

Publisher Dotemu and developer Triskell Interactive today announced that Pharaoh: A New Era, a comprehensive remake of one of the most beloved city builders of all time, is now available on PC via Steam for $22.99. Swift planners can secure their future at a 15 percent launch discount by purchasing Pharaoh: A New Era before Feb. 28.

The wisest pharaohs will seek guidance from today’s launch trailer before beginning their civilizations, observing the challenges and rewards awaiting in Pharaoh: A New Era’s faithful modernization of the original 1999 city builder as well as its 2000 expansion, Cleopatra: Queen of the Nile. The remake’s enhancements are informed by Triskell Interactive’s devotion to historical accuracy, supported through close work with a certified Egyptologist to ensure the game’s depiction of ancient Egypt is as authentic as possible. See how Pharaoh: A New Era’s gorgeous 4K visuals bring four millennia of Egyptian history to life across more than 50 rewarding missions in the new video:

Pharaoh: A New Era introduces several new features and quality of life adjustments which subtly improve its city building experience, making the development, planning and management of bustling settlements feel intuitive. The changes grant pharaohs greater visibility and control over their subjects, making Pharaoh: A New Era the definitive way to enjoy the acclaimed series.

Pharaoh: A New Era features:

A Fortune of Fun: Lead your people through a rich 100+ hour campaign, or unwind and build the metropolis of your dreams in a Free Build mode
Breathtaking Views: Marvel at the beauty of budding settlements and lively cities sprawling across the Egyptian sands, brought to life through fully reworked, intricate art
Modern Refinements: Overhauled menus, a refreshed UI and various adjustments make Pharaoh: A New Era’s classically inspired fun feel like second nature to play
A Fully Rerecorded Soundtrack: Take in stirring recreations of the original soundtrack’s melodies, rearranged and performed with traditional oriental instruments

For a deeper understanding of Pharaoh: A New Era’s enthralling challenge of leadership, delve into the vital components behind the rise of any great city outlined in this video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLagi5oWyjE

Raise the latest updates on Pharaoh: A New Era by following Dotemu on Twitter @dotemu and Triskell at @Triskell_Int, and by joining the game’s official Discord: https://discord.gg/sRV9w7r.

Yupitergrad 2: The Lost Station FAQ and New Gameplay Trailer

2023/02/15

Jerry Paxton

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

To all space acrobatics enthusiasts, the release of Yupitergrad 2: The Lost Station is fast approaching, so Gamedust is gearing up to give the players a more in-depth look at what kind of game they’ve prepared.

Developers so far have communicated a move towards action-adventure tropes, fragments of exploration and combat have been shown, besides those, Gamedust is preparing environmental puzzles for its players to enjoy. Yupitergrad 2: The Lost Station is full of components that have been implemented and used in some of the best known games today, on popular consoles, and now the creators want to bring those features into the world of VR.

The new trailer for the game showcases the combination of swinging through the corridors, opening passages and fighting with robots. You may also notice AIsha – our virtual companion. With her help, the journey through the dangerous station will be much more interesting and comfortable. Check it out:

To tell you more about Yupitergrad 2: The Lost Station, we have prepared a FAQ below to answer some of your most burning questions:

What is Yupitergrad 2: The Lost Station?

Yupitergrad 2: The Lost Station is a game in which you’re able to explore an abandoned space station using suction cups with ropes attached, the player can use jets (nozzles) attached to their hands to manoeuvre in the air. In addition, the player will get powerful weapons that will allow them to eliminate robotic opponents.

Along your journey you will encounter many passages, environmental puzzles, and hostile droids that you’ll have to overcome, a map will also be in place to help you navigate around the station. The game is set in a light, humorous tone and combines a VR perspective with the structure of a Metroidvania-style game.

Do I need to know Yupitergrad 1 to enjoy the sequel?

Many players are wondering if they can play Yupitergrad 2 without playing the first one, and the answer is yes. Yupitergrad 2 very lightly refers to the first part, but is a completely new story. A similar approach has been taken to other games such as Mario or Zelda – where each part is a separate entity, but takes some basics and expectations from its predecessor.

What’s new in Yupitergrad 2?

The game is full of new ideas, the creators built this game with “the more, the better” attitude. Developers focused on the open structure of the space station, in which players should look for ways to open new passages and explore further. In the game, players will encounter rebellious machines, which will be able to fight and shoot at with obtained weapons. In addition, our hero will use various gadgets, and his companion AIsha will finally appear on the screen! All this together creates a new, more adventurous atmosphere and the experience of taking part in a great space adventure in VR.

Is the game (too) dynamic?

Developers are making a very dynamic game in VR but moving on from Yupitergrad 1 they made changes to control motion sickness and refine the locomotion system to improve the free movement of players. During the game’s creation a great focus has been put on smoothness and stability of the player experience and due to the open map and additional features the game is more riveting than ever.

When will the title be playable?

The game is in the production phase, allowing it to be played and checked. Trial versions will be soon sent to press and influencers, where you can get a good glimpse of the game before the full release.

When will the game be released and for which platforms?

The premiere of Yupitergrad 2 will take place in the first half of 2023, with the exact date to be yet announced. The game will be released on Pico goggles, and later on Meta Quest 2. Further platforms such as Steam will have release dates after the release on Quest 2.

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Returns from March 10 through April 16

2023/02/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Boysenberry Festival Decor

The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is our annual food-inspired event that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a range of dishes, from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to one-of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks that can only be found at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time of the year. In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of local crafters, live music, and a brand-new musical stage show for guests of all ages to enjoy. The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival begins March 10 and operates daily through April 16.

This year’s event will introduce entirely new food offerings featuring more than three dozen food and drink items. A few savory dishes to note include cauliflower bites with a boysenberry curry drizzle, and a sushi burrito with spicy crab surimi, avocado, lettuce, crispy onions, sesame and unagi sauce, all wrapped in nori with a boysenberry sweet chili dipping sauce. Tasty dessert items can be found throughout the festival, perfect for those with a sweet tooth, including sweet corn nuggets with boysenberry honey, boysenberry bread pudding, and a boysenberry waffle topped with whipped cream and boysenberry maple syrup. A great way to indulge in the new boysenberry delicacies during the festival is by purchasing a tasting card priced at $55. The tasting card offers six tastings from a selection of boysenberry-inspired dishes and drinks. A variety of signature boysenberry items will also be available for purchase a la carte. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or at the theme park.

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival also offers endless entertainment throughout the park. From musical performances to fun interactive games, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Wine Tasting

Guests are invited to celebrate the heritage of California’s original theme park with the new show Knott’s Preserved. Through song, dance and storytelling, Knott’s Berry Farm comes alive as the audience takes a musical journey from the little ghost town of Calico to the Seaside Boardwalk of the Roaring ’20s to commemorate the heritage of the park. All aboard for a boysenberry bon voyage at the legendary Bird Cage Theatre with a special presentation of the comedy melodrama Riverboat Revenge. Guests are challenged to try their berry best in Boysenberry Fun and Games, which includes the wildly entertaining Boysenberry Pie Eating Contest. Young ones and young at heart are invited to cozy up to the cutest critters on the farm, including horses, sheep, goats and other furry friends at Old MacDonald’s Barn, a tribute to one of the farm’s original attractions. Those unfamiliar with the berry that started it all are encouraged to grab a slice of history in the History of the Boysenberry museum in Town Hall.

Guests can also create over 75 unique boysenberry-inspired creations with limited-edition merchandise found throughout the park. This year’s merchandise includes a grand selection of packaged food items perfect for take-home souvenirs. The Berry Market, located in the California Marketplace, also features signature boysenberry items like the refreshing boysenberry sarsaparilla and our classic jams and preserves. Unique boysenberry-inspired artisan products also will be available at the Boysenberry Festival Craft Fair, with over 30 local craft vendors.

The Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. For a special treat, guests can book a stay at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel for overnight accommodations just steps from the park. Additional costs apply for food-tasting experiences within the event. Knott’s will have extended hours on select days, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of the limited-time offerings.

The best way to savor every day of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2023 Season Pass! Get unlimited visits, food and merchandise discounts, plus so much more! For 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 #BoysenberryFestival