Author - Jerry Paxton

Victrix Reveals Victrix Pro FS and Pro FS-12 Arcade Fight Sticks

2022/08/05

Victrix, a San Diego based professional gaming accessories brand owned by PDP, announced today that it will partner with The Evolution Championship Series (Evo), one of the most pioneering and storied events in gaming, where it will launch early pre-orders for the Victrix Pro FS and Pro FS-12 Arcade Fight Sticks, the newest versions of their premium tournament fight line for PlayStation and PC. Early pre-orders will become available in person at the Victrix booth at Evo and online starting today, August 5.

The Victrix Pro FS is a traditional stick with 8 face buttons and joystick, while the Victrix Pro FS-12 is an all new 12 button style layout. Like its predecessor, the arcade fight stick boasts authentic Sanwa Denshi Parts, and an extremely durable shell made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum featuring an integrated 6.28° wrist slope to help reduce fatigue. Both editions of the arcade fight stick will be available in either purple or white color schemes, and will have a detachable USB-C cable for connection as-well-as a quick-access back panel for easy mods and updates. The officially licensed stick is compatible with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC, with a built in mode switch.

“The fighting game community has been asking for another Pro FS, and now we’re bringing them the most advanced iteration yet along with the all new Pro FS-12 button style stick,” said Trevor Lehr, Director of Product Development at Victrix. “We’re excited to be able to offer our first early pre-orders at Evo, directly reaching the community that cares most about our products.”

In addition to offering early pre-orders, players who place top 3 in their respective game will receive an exclusive gold edition Pro FS, engraved with the title of the game they competed in. Gold editions of the fight stick are only available exclusively to winners at Evo and will not be sold anywhere outside of the event. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to bring their own personal Victrix Fight Sticks and have them custom engraved on site.

Limited quantities of the four stick variations are available for early pre-order now at Evo, as well as on VictrixPro.com, with an MSRP of $399.99 USD.

For more information, visit victrixpro.com

Coffee Shop Tycoon Gets Economy Update

2022/08/05

Jerry Paxton

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

The coffee shop management game Coffee Shop Tycoon, developed by Riff Studios, is receiving today a new content patch in the so-called Economy Update. This update features new mechanics that allow everyone to modify the food and beverages pricing, and observe how these prices affect the customers’ perception of each coffee shop. Players can take a further look at the update in this link and get their hands on Coffee Shop Tycoon’s Early Access on Steam for $7.99 / €6,59.

The economy update will let players fix average prices for their food and beverages that will follow the supply and demand laws. But the game will also let them raise or lower prices. Its performance will be tied to the quality of the items sold, so they should be priced accordingly. The better coffees players are able to roast, the most they will be able to charge customers… always within a reasonable range!

ECONOMY UPDATE NEW FEATURES

Each coffee will have a unique price depending on what customers expect to pay for it, and it will be similar to what you’d pay in Starbucks-styled coffee shops. Say goodbye to the $1,000 cup!
Food and coffee prices will be set in different ranges: $5-$15 for coffee, and $5-$25 for food.
The ideal price won’t be the same for all the coffee shops you manage.
Clients will expect expensive products from the best reputated places. Those who frequent a Diamond Bean coffee shop will be willing to pay more than those who usually visit a Bronze Bean cafe.
The performance of each beverage will be tied to the quality of the beans and the roasting feature. The better coffee players are able to produce, the higher the prices could be set!
The update also comes with several long-expected bug fixes demanded by the community. Here you can read here the full list.

Hard West II Official Launch Trailer

2022/08/05

Jerry Paxton

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

Welcome to the Wild West, partner! Good Shepherd Entertainment and developer Ice Code Games have released Hard West 2 today on PC via Steam and GOG.com for $29.99/€24.99, with a 10% launch week discount available until August 11. Battle the living and undead through the lawless American frontier in this supernatural sequel to the hit original turn-based strategy game experienced by over half a million players worldwide.

When first-class con man Gin Carter raids a legendary “ghost train” in search of gold, he discovers it haunted by the Devil himself! Now Gin must lead a posse of extraordinary outlaws to save his soul in a land claimed by darkness.

Hard West 2 aggressively ups the ante on the usual tactics gameplay experience, with multiple ways to go on the offensive and change the tide of a fight to your advantage based on your posse’s configuration, skills and traits. Each kill will activate your Bravado and refill your Action Points, so you can keep the streak going with the unstoppable force of a steam train.

With careful planning and positioning, a clever player can blow a hole through enemy lines and lay waste to the stragglers before they even have a chance to take their turn. The smallest decisions can have an explosive impact in the blink of an eye, rewarding creative thinking and skillful execution at every opportunity.

Key Features:

Lead a Supernatural Posse: Responsibility for your squad of gunslinging outlaws, witches and other mysterious beings lands at your boots. Give your team members bonus skills or enhance existing powers with cards from the Deck of Haunts, then arm them with guns, explosives, trinkets, or just some beans and whiskey to keep them in top shape. Synergize your party’s abilities to pull off devastating attacks and control the battlefield. Make the right calls to get more Loyalty Points and use their support to solve predicaments and sub-quests.
Conquer the Dark Frontier: Explore the frozen wastelands and lawless frontier towns of the Wild West in a desperate battle against the living and undead. Fight across dynamic levels that’ll keep your brain as busy as your trigger. Let your Western imagination run wild with thrilling horseback chases and train heists.
Unleash Your Bravado: In Hard West 2, you no longer have to hide behind cover, as each kill will replenish your Action Points! Go on the offensive, and chain together brutal kills to extend your streak as you take down anyone or anything brazen enough to stand in your way!
The Good, the Bad & the Undead: Wild West folk tales and the occult collide in a character-driven story featuring the voice talents of Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series), Darien Sills-Evans (Days Gone) and Adam Gifford (The Colony), co-written by Origins Award winner and New York Times bestseller Matt Forbeck (Deadlands) with a score by BAFTA Award winner Jason Graves (Dead Space).

Hocus Pocus 2 Bewitches Fall 2022 Issue of Disney Twenty-Three

2022/08/04

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News

After Hocus Pocus arrived in theaters in the summer of 1993, the film developed a massive following, and in the ensuing years, its stars would sometimes hint to eager fans that a sequel was a possibility. That possibility has become a reality with Hocus Pocus 2 debuting on Disney+ September 30, and no one is more excited than the film’s original trio of spirited sorceresses: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. “Kathy, especially, acted as the keeper of the Black Flame Candle, forgive my pun,” Midler says when speaking exclusively to Disney twenty-three. “She was adamant about what the fans would and wouldn’t accept, and we sort of followed her lead.” The stars and creative team break down the magic in store for viewers this fall, and the spellbinding cover was created exclusively for the publication.

The magic of Pinocchio has enchanted audiences since the animated film’s debut in 1940. Director Robert Zemeckis and stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Keegan-Michael Key discuss creating the dazzling, new live-action imagining of the film, which also stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto and arrives September 8 on Disney+. Diego Luna talks about reprising his role as Cassian Andor from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in the new Disney+ series Andor. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law star Tatiana Maslany reveals what it took to get green for her hilarious new Marvel Studios series coming to Disney+. And Larry the Cable Guy takes readers on a cross-country trip, unveiling the freewheeling adventures in store for Mater and Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) in Pixar’s new series for Disney+, Cars on the Road.

Plus, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor-like stamina is put to the test in the new Disney+ series from National Geographic, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, which explores human endurance and longevity. And the unofficial “Queen of Disney+”—Yvette Nicole Brown—takes us on a ride through her Disney favorites in a story shot by our photo editor, Derek Lee, at Disneyland Park for Disney twenty-three.

The new issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking film TRON with stars Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner as well as the original film’s writer-director, Steven Lisberger.

Also in the Fall 2022 issue of Disney twenty-three:

The sky-high journey of Walt Disney’s private plane, which will be on display and an exhibit presented by Amazon this September at D23 Expo in Anaheim, California
Four decades of EPCOT—from Walt’s initial vision to the astounding achievement it is today
A sneak peek at the upcoming Disney+ documentary Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, which chronicles the adventures of one of the world’s most recognizable icons
Regular features including By the Numbers, D Society, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives

Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of August.

D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle Announced

2022/08/04

Jerry Paxton

Book News, Geek News, News

Dungeons & Dragons has been enchanting generations of fantasy fans for decades and the memories and friendships created around the table are long-lasting, if shows like Stranger Things or the 80s D&D cartoon are to be believed. It’s never been easier to introduce the game to new players with the release of the D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle, available now at Target stores for $19.99. With a streamlined rulebook and accompanying online video tutorials, heroic ready-to-play characters, a set of six dice, and an exciting adventure designed with new Dungeon Masters in mind, the only thing needed is your imagination.

“From the inception of this product, we really had one major goal of creating an introductory experience that was suitable for folks playing and Dungeon Mastering for the very first time,” said D&D Team product manager, Natalie Egan. “With the streamlined rulebook, ready-to-play characters, easy-to-prep adventure, along with all the additional learn-to-play resources specific to this set, we’re making onboarding new players easier than ever!”

Everything you need to start your D&D journey is packaged up in one convenient box. After choosing a character sheet from five recognizable heroes like the paladin or the wizard, players will be ready to jump into uncovering the secrets of Stormwreck Isle. Beginning players and Dungeon Masters will find guidance in the rulebook and adventure as well as links to a suite of online video tutorials available (at dnd.wizards.com/how-to-play) that will make starting that first session of D&D full of nothing but adventure and laughter.

Educators have long touted the ways D&D teaches math, reading comprehension, social skills, and problem-solving with a diverse group of players. Wizards is hoping to make the game accessible to more with the release of D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle.

“If you’ve never played or even heard of Dungeons & Dragons before,” Egan continued. “THIS is the best, easiest way to get you started. Dragons of Stormwreck Isle is a blast of an adventure that is sure to delight our fans, whether it’s their first time or 101st time playing D&D.”

Newly designed D&D Club kits will be available for schools, libraries and organizations that want to incorporate the educational and social benefits of the world’s greatest roleplaying game into their programs and D&D inspired teaching kits will be rolling out for grades 4-8 starting this Fall.

D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle is only available at Target now, and will be released worldwide on October 4th, 2022. Along with the new player resources on the D&D website, this Starter Set will be available in French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Japanese languages in addition to English on that date.

Men of War II Developer Diary #1

2022/08/04

Jerry Paxton

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

Fulqrum Publishing and Best Way have just released the first installment in a series of Developer Diary videos for Men of War II, the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed real-time strategy franchise. This behind-the-scenes dive into the game explores the franchise’s roots and transformations throughout the years, the new game’s single-player gameplay mechanics, playable factions present in Men of War II, and general state of its development.

This Developer Diary #1 marks the start of a new stage in the development of Men of War II and you will be able to enjoy much more information and content from the game on a regular basis from now on! Men of War II is expected to launch in 2022 on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and other digital stores.

Lead your troops in intense real-time battles on the Western and Eastern Fronts and overwhelm your opponents in epic narrative single-player campaigns and skirmish modes, before then diving deep into the multiplayer action. Utilize sophisticated military strategies, lay ambushes, or use brute force to show your ability as the greatest military leader of all time. Attain full command of different roles: from Air and Armor to Infantry and Support in fast-paced battles packed with action.

Two Point Campus Official Launch Trailer

2022/08/04

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

It’s almost back-to-school season, so what better way to celebrate than throwing the wildest milkshake keg party in Two Point County history! If dairy doesn’t agree with you, we’ve also got this brand-new launch trailer to celebrate Two Point Campus releasing on August 9th.

You can throw your own parties in Two Point Campus™, complete with laser lights, over-flowing red cups, and some killer tunes, it’s sure to keep your students happy – or at least distracted. And if a typical student shindig isn’t enough, as administrator of your very own campus, you have the power to schedule live gigs from definitely 100% real bands like Helium Baboon, Alchemical Friendship, or Boogie Knights. So, build yourself a Student Union and get the party started, and yes, the floor is supposed to be sticky.

Maybe you want to take things a little slower? Hopefully not too slow since the local Speed-Walking Club is looking for new recruits. Clubs are the perfect way to avoid thinking about your studies, whether it’s powerwalking around campus, scoring some mid-lecture Zs with the Power-Napping Club, or taking up gardening in the Nature Club. Feel the earth beneath your feet, the sun on your face and the wind… wherever it is you feel that.

Two Point Campus is a charming university management simulator that lets you live out your dreams of running your very own campus environment – complete with wild and wacky courses like spell-casting wizardry, dragon-slaying knight school, or top-secret spy school.

You can be the college party champion when Two Point Campus releases on PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on August 9th. Two Point Campus will also be available with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC on day one. If you’re after a physical copy, then check out our special Enrolment Edition, which comes with an awesome foldout campus map, a stylish University Prospectus, and exclusive packaging. You can pre-order a physical or digital copy of the game here and receive some awesome in-game items for both Two Point Campus and Two Point Hospital™.

For more information about Two Point Campus head to www.twopointcampus.com, where you can sign up for County Pass today, which unlocks the most sought after free in-game item at launch: The Golden Toilet! You can follow the game on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

NBA 2K23 Getting New Gameplay Enhancements

2022/08/03

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

2K today revealed the newest gameplay enhancements coming to NBA® 2K23, highlighted by new skill moves, animations, and player builds that provide a more authentic and hyper-real experience.

“We value community feedback when deciding how to bring each version of NBA 2K to life, and this year’s gameplay enhancements reflect many of the changes our community was calling for the most,” said Mike Wang, Gameplay Director at Visual Concepts. “From focusing on how players can attack the basket, to more realistic on-ball defense and a new tiered badge system, all the features we’ve brought to life in the game this year will create a more authentic gameplay experience that is enjoyable for everyone.”

NBA 2K23 introduces a variety of new gameplay innovations to elevate the competitive intensity in all facets, including:

Shooting: This year’s major change is the addition of shooting attributes, which give each signature jump shot its own unique shooting stats that help determine its effectiveness. There are also five new shot meters to choose from, with 15 more that can be unlocked through Seasons over the coming year;
Pro Stick Enhancements: New Gesture Combos have been added to the Pro Stick, introducing a lot of new weapons for both shooting and ball handling for playmakers. Dunking also received new commands, ensuring players dunk exactly how they want without accidentally firing off an unexpected skill dunk;
Skill Moves & Adrenaline Boosts: New gesture combos give players even more ball handling and shooting options for their offensive arsenal. Additionally, a new feature to prevent overdribbling is the concept of Adrenaline Boosts. Boosts are consumed every time a player performs a hard go or explosive sprint launch, and once their three boosts are gone, players will notice their speed and acceleration decrease significantly for the remainder of the possession;
Defense: Defensive gameplay includes major updates aimed at creating more realistic on-ball defense and shot blocking, as well as steals and ball strips. This year, blocks have been tuned to a more realistic level, leading to more predictable outcomes, with the right players making appropriate stops when timing their block attempts well. There’s also a distinct improvement in ball security for good dunkers, and much more;
Badges: Introducing a brand new tiered badge system for players on PlayStation® 5 (PS5™) and Xbox Series X|S, there will be 16 badges per attribute category: eight in Tier 1, four in Tier 2, and four in Tier 3, with the basic idea being that players need to equip a certain number of badges in the lower tiers before they can equip badges in the highest;
Takeovers: While the primary and secondary Takeovers remain the same from previous games, Team Takeover has been redesigned. Team Takeover works as a cooperative team system with the entire team sharing a single meter. The new design makes a lot more sense and does a better job representing what it means to be hot as a team and to take over the game as a unit;
AI Gameplay: PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players will notice improved AI ball handling, pick and roll execution, defensive tendencies, and coaching decisions.

For full details on the latest gameplay innovations coming to NBA 2K23, check out the latest Courtside Report. Stay tuned for additional deep dives in the coming weeks to reveal even more of what’s new in the next version of the world’s best-selling NBA basketball simulation video game.

NBA 2K23 is currently scheduled for release on September 9 for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. For more information, please visit the NBA 2K23 official website.

Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K23 is rated E for Everyone from the ESRB.

Follow NBA 2K23 on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook for the latest news.

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

AEW: Fight Forever Official Announcement Trailer

2022/08/03

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

THQ Nordic GmbH and All Elite Wrestling, LLC (AEW) and YUKE’S Co., Ltd. today confirmed that the release of AEW: Fight Forever will be the tag-team event of the century! The two companies have joined forces to bring developer YUKES’ latest creation to PS4™, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo® Switch.

“One of the first things I did after signing with AEW was to ask Tony Khan to let me help assemble the best gaming team on the planet, to make the best wrestling game ever,” said Kenny Omega, EVP of AEW and former AEW World Champion and AEW World Tag Team Champion. “Well, we just landed the perfect finisher by partnering with global publishing and distribution powerhouse THQ Nordic for AEW: Fight Forever. The THQ brand has long been synonymous with wrestling games – there is simply no more qualified partner to bring AEW: Fight Forever to the millions of wrestling fans the world over.”

YUKE’S president and CEO Yukinori Taniguchi said “I am both gratified and excited to have the opportunity to work with AEW – who is breathing new life into the pro wrestling industry – and the THQ Brand, with whom we have created an entire era of pro wrestling games. Using the expertise we have cultivated over the years, we are taking on this project with the ultimate staff from the YUKE’S Development Team in order to recreate AEW’s appeal within a video game to the highest degree. We hope that fans will enjoy experiencing the most cutting-edge technology, and the next evolution, in pro wrestling gaming.”

“Kenny’s incredible vision for AEW: Fight Forever is informed by his wrestling pedigree both inside the ring and on the controller,” said Executive Producer Reinhard Pollice, THQ Nordic. “Combine that vision with YUKES’ unparalleled wrestling game development history is resulting in an AEW experience that draws heavily on the arcade feel that first won wrestling gamer hearts more than two decades ago.”

A touch of nostalgia is just the beginning in AEW: Fight Forever. Players can look forward to pulling off the most current wrestling moves seen on wildly popular AEW programming. This, in addition to innovative tandem offensive moves. Online co-op wrestling is going completely next level with Tag Team matches that feature sequences of team maneuvers performed with simple commands. A long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers, deep career mode, create-a-wrestler, signature AEW arenas, multiple match types and even some good ol’ fashioned, unsanctioned fun await!

For more info visit: https://aew.thqnordic.com/

Drift Type C Official Launch Trailer

2022/08/03

Jerry Paxton

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

Indie developer Jonworks Interactive has brought its real physics driving game Drift Type C to Steam Early Access for $19.99. To celebrate this, a new high octane Gameplay trailer has gone live showing off some of the 50 real spec cars, 100 miles of track, 13 bosses, and a level editor on offer. Drift Type C brings a complete, authentic driving experience without any micro-transactions, air control, nitrous, or brake assist.

This Early Access period is so players can give feedback about what to add before releasing the finished version in a few months time. Potential upcoming features include: traffic, steering wheel support with force feedback, vehicle models that better resemble their real-life counterparts, an easier difficulty setting, and expanded tutorial, AI improvements, additional surfaces to drive on, and car modifications, among others. What features sound most important to you? Visit the Steam page to see the full list.

Your journey in Drift Type C will take you across 9 biomes, as you compete against 13 warriors and 13 ghosts to free the God of Time. To aid you in your quest, the God of Time gives you the Hypervesicle, an item that slows down your race timer every time you pull off a successful drift. Master it, and set a two second lap time in a two minute race!

“In truth, drifting isn’t usually the fastest way to drive, but it is the coolest. Other racing games try to get around this by making drifting faster, but that totally goes against the supposedly realistic physics that they pride themselves on,” said game director, programmer and writer Jonathan C. Haman. “Drift Type C doesn’t change physics to be more realistic, but time itself! Our unique Hypervesicle mechanic lets players pull off super slick drifts while setting a superior score on the race timer. We’ve also included loads of fine turns that really encourage players to master the art of drifting!”

Drift Type C specialises in hyper realistic car specs offering a detailed handling model for everything from power to weight, to differential setup, to factory tire compound and alignment settings. While the physics may be real, the variety of activities on offer is limited only by your imagination. Drift Type C features: off-roading, multi-stage rally races, dorifuto batadu, driving on trays, flagging, delivering tofu, DIY Space Gymkhana, texting while driving, or driving a bus for some reason. All this can be done in daytime or night through assorted weather conditions. You can even try your hand at driving in an alternate realm with different air density affecting aerodynamics. If you can dream it, you can drive it!

Drift Type C offers a massive sandbox featuring a hybrid-procedurally generated world that curates over 100 miles of road. And if you want even more, you can go into Creative Mode and make your own roads, cities, and events. With over 20 terrain surfaces, each offering their own particle and skid effects and traction profiles, the possibilities are endless!