Author - Jerry Paxton

GamingShogun 2022 Holiday Gift Guide Series – Microphones

Microphones have become so much more important in our age of remote work – even more so if you are a content creator. So, here are our top microphone gift picks for the 2022 holiday season.

Desktop Microphones

Winner

ROCCAT Torch

The ROCCAT Torch USB microphone is an outstanding choice for creators that absolutely will NOT break your bank account. It features a dual condenser capsule design with 24-Bit audio quality and three selectable pick-up patterns. It also has a stylish and professional look with some RGB to boot!

Price: $99.99

ROCCAT Link

Runner-Up

Shure MV7 USB/XLR

The Shure MV7 USB/XLR microphone features outstanding audio recording capabilities – in fact – way better than most people need. If you’re a more professional creator who prefers using USB microphones, this is a game changer. The Shure MV7 USB/XLR does also feature an XLR port, but it doesn’t work as well as the dedicated XLR Shure microphones out there. The downside to all this quality is the price.

Price: $224

Shure Link

Wireless Microphones

Winner

DJI MIC

DJI has really stepped up their game in the last five years, with most of their tech being simply outstanding gift ideas. The DJI Mic is the company’s take on a dual channel wireless lavalier mic system geared towards content creators. It’s audio backup capabilities coupled with connection adapters and sheer ease-of-use push the DJI Mic ahead of the RØDE Wireless GO II in almost every way except one – cost. This is a pretty pricey wireless microphone setup.

Price: $329

DJI Link

Runner-Up

Hollyland Lark M1

While the RØDE Wireless GO II wireless mic system might have almost the same level of quality and features as the DJI Mic, it’s still very pricey. The Hollyland Lark M1 wireless mic system, however, will provide decent audio recording at a budget price point. Don’t expect DJI or RØDE level quality and you won’t be disappointed.

Price: $149

Hollyland Link

Dead Island 2 Showcase – Another Day In HELL-A Showcase Reveals Gameplay and A Lot More

The bold new “Dead Island 2 Showcase – Another Day In HELL-A” premiered online today, presenting players with all new info and content with an incredible live action short, which also included an extended look at exclusive gameplay.

Watch the VOD on Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/deepsilver), or view the Showcase on YouTube at https://youtu.be/wMrwcmG3eqk. A recast of the event will be available to stream on Prime Video (https://www.primevideo.com) starting on Dec. 8.

Today’s showcase featured a live-action pulp-adventure starring three fictional characters set in a similar universe to Dead Island 2. With the military long gone, we follow the fearless survivors as they search for a safe haven from the virus outbreak and zombie hordes. As they roam the supposedly abandoned mansion of a local video game and movie producer in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills, they’ll soon discover that nowhere is safe.

The new Dead Island 2 Welcome To HELL-A Trailer also premiered – narrated by Jacob and Amy, two of the game’s slayers, as they visit HELL-A. Witness Dead Island 2’s unique gore tech, upgradable weapon and combat system, and, of course, its gruesome zombies. Join the slayers as they take you on a tour around the stylish, sunbaked zombie-smashing playground of HELL-A.

Another surprise inside the showcase was a sneak peek into the Alexa Game Control feature, which allows players to quickly perform in-game actions using their voice. This feature will be launching in Dead Island 2 for Xbox and PC, for English in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Currently available to pre-order, the highly collectible Dead Island 2: HELL-A Edition is full of unique items from the game world to further the immersion of every Dead Island fan.

Players who pre-order any edition of Dead Island 2 will receive the “Memories Of Banoi Pack,” featuring two unique weapons that celebrate the original Dead Island, along with a special skill card.

Last but not least, a stunning, hand-painted resin collector figurine of Amy, posed chilling in the iconic Burger 66 diner after a zombie slaying session. This standalone premium figurine is available to purchase exclusively from Deep Silver at www.DeadIsland.com.

The HELL-A Edition includes:

  • Exclusive SteelBook® with game disc
  • Expansion Pass
  • Venice Beach Travel Map
  • Six Slayer Tarot Cards
  • Two Pin Badges
  • A DI2 Patch
  • Golden Weapons Pack
  • Pulp Weapons Pack
  • Character Packs 1 & 2

The Memories of Banoi Pack includes:

  • Banoi War Club
  • Memories of Banoi Baseball Bat
  • Weapon Perk – “Balanced”
  • “Personal Space” Skills Card

View the 101 Trailer on YouTube here – https://youtu.be/ZEmrfritmg8

View the pre-order trailer on YouTube here – https://youtu.be/N8g_5WHoYPk

View the Amazon Games Control trailer on YouTube here – https://youtu.be/LyTe6rKhYmA

View the pre-order options and retailers on the website here – https://deadisland.com/preorder

Knott’s Berry Farm to Ring in the New Year

The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm with special fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the one-night event. Guests have a chance to say goodbye to the final moments of 2022 at Knott’s as the park celebrates with memorable festivities including Merry Farm seasonal performances throughout the day on December 31st. The enchanting Knott’s New Year’s Eve celebration gives guests front row seats to the final event of the year as the park rings in 2023 with a park wide-party unlike any other and everyone is invited.

The New Year’s celebration features entertaining activities for the whole family including a family-friendly comedian, live bands, swing dancing and more. Guests are invited to count down the final moments of 2022 with festive music, party hats and noisemakers making this night extra special. The spectacular firework celebration sets the skies above Knott’s ablaze at the stroke of midnight as colorful fireworks light the start of the New Year. The nighttime extravaganza offers a stress-free night perfect for family and friends to come together and create new memories by starting a new tradition by celebrating the New Year ’s Eve at Knott’s.

This year’s line-up of can’t miss entertainment are:

  • At the Midnight Fireworks Spectacular, guests can ring in the New Year with a bang as the park’s skies wonderfully light up for an aerial fireworks display that will leave the young and young at heart in awe.
  • Visit Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies at Wagon Camp for the best entertainment this side of the Santa Ana freeway that will have the crowd’s toes tappin’, hands clappin’ and guts bustin’.
  • DJ Howley brings the party to the farm for a special New Year’s celebration, with high energy music and dancing taking place at the Calico Mine Stage.
  • Next to the Calico Mine Stage, the PEANUTS characters will be posing for pictures with guests to celebrate the New Year in their favorite party outfits.
  • Surf on by Boardwalk BBQ where you can catch PianoMania Dueling Pianos. These two talented musicians go head-to-head in a musical battle you won’t want to miss.
  • The Calico Mine Stage will blast unforgettable pop and rock music courtesy of the band Mic Dangerously and the Royal We.
  • Family-friendly comedian, Chipper Lowell, brings his hilarious comedy, magic and audience participation to the Bird Cage Theatre.
  • Jitterbug Pop Swing Band, Dance Instructors, and the Jitterbug Jumpers are on hand to play the slickest standards ever. Swing, sway and jump with the hippest cats in town. The Jitterbug Pop Swing Band provides the tunes and you’re invited to dance the night away in the legendary Boardwalk Ballroom. Dance instruction classes included!
  • A New Year’s Eve celebration is not complete without a delicious meal. Spur’s Restaurant is serving up a special New Year’s Eve Buffet. Walk up only.

WHEN: Knott’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular daytime admission. Park hours on New Year’s Eve are 9am to 1am.

WHERE: Knott’s Berry Farm – 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Hogwarts Legacy New Trailer – Making the Music for Overture to the Unwritten

Warner Bros. Games and Avalanche Software released today a behind the scenes video, “Making the Music,” for “Overture to the Unwritten” and other compositions featured in the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy game which is scheduled to be released on February 10, 2023.

In “Making the Music,” the team of composers and audio producers for Hogwarts Legacy take fans behind the scenes into some of their decision-making process and the complexity of creating new orchestral pieces set in the 1800s wizarding world. Composer chuck e. myers “sea” describes his experience working on Hogwarts Legacy over the last four years as a project that was truly a once in a lifetime. Audio Producer Nathan Ayoubi discusses how the music in Hogwarts Legacy enhances the overall experience for the player, being simultaneously new and fresh while also nostalgic. Composer Peter Murray shares how the team balanced this new original composition with the music of the films, while composer J. Scott Rakozy describes the music as childlike awe and wonder.

To create the ancient melody of Hogwarts, the team brought in unique instruments such as the “thunder sheet”—a giant piece of sheet metal—and a waterphone to make the sounds of magic. Since music accounts for every movement the player makes in the game, the composers were challenged to balance the darker side of the game with slow emotional strings to help guide the player and enhance the overall experience. Exploring the common rooms in each of the Hogwarts houses, the team infused different dynamic personalities through their use of music. The original score serves as an additional character in the game, immersing the player in the complex 1800s wizarding world.

Choir and orchestral members for “Overture to the Unwritten” were comprised of students from the University of Utah, BYU and the Salt Lake Symphony Orchestra, as well as featuring renowned recording artists Nicole Pinnell, Nicole Klossner, Ryan Shupe, Abe Kaelin, Bart Olson, John Knudsen and Dune Moss. Filmed on location at big idea music studios in Sandy, Utah and Media Grabbers in North Salt Lake City, Utah, the behind-the-scenes video features “Overture to the Unwritten,” the original composition by composers chuck e. myers “sea”, J. Scott Rakozy and Peter Murray, performed by a 54-piece orchestra conducted by Nathan Hofheins.

As of today, fans are now able to stream or digitally purchase “Overture to the Unwritten.” All of the additional music from Hogwarts Legacy will be available on launch day on the Hogwarts Legacy (Original Video Game Soundtrack). Additionally, songs from Hogwarts Legacy will be featured on a second album titled, Hogwarts Legacy (Study Themes From the Original Video Game Soundtrack), an album focusing on more ambient, chill, relaxing music that is ideal to listen to while studying for classes at Hogwarts or any school. Both albums will be released by WaterTower Music and will be available at all digital streaming services.

Hogwarts Legacy is available for pre-order on PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4 via the PlayStation Store, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles via the Microsoft Store, and PC via the Steam and Epic Games Store. The Nintendo Switch pre-order date will be revealed soon.

For more information on how to pre-order Hogwarts Legacy, visit: www.hogwartslegacy.com

theHunter: Call of the Wild Gets New England Mountains Reserve

Released today for €/$ 7,99 on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store (save 20 %), and the Microsoft Store, as well as on PlayStation and Xbox, Expansive Worlds’ immersive hunting game has expanded with an all-new alpine reserve and the Granite Update, which includes a framerate boost of up to 60 FPS on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, Cosmetics, and performance improvements.

Covering roughly a quarter of the state of New Hampshire, as well as portions of Western Maine, the White Mountains in the northern Appalachians served as the inspiration for the New England Mountains reserve. This vast new region gives Hunters a wonderful new area to explore, and it is teeming with wildlife to stalk and natural beauty to take in. So grab your gear and explore the majesty that is the New England Mountains!

New England Mountains – Key Features:

  • Hunt in stunning surroundings – The New England Mountains reserve features varied landscapes shaped by the passing of time, from open alpine regions to coniferous and mixed woodlands interspersed with lakes and rivers. When you are tired from stalking deer through the spruce or hunting waterfowl along the bends of the river, there is no shortage of perfect opportunities to sit back and take in the picturesque environment around you.
  • Wildlife, Great Ones and refined classics – Hunters have a wealth of wildlife to hunt – from the humble Ring-necked Pheasant to the sneaky Coyote and the majestic Moose. Speaking of the Moose, this gentle giant is now present as one of the extremely rare Great Ones alongside the equally giant Black Bear and the graceful Whitetail Deer. Not only do the Moose and Whitetail Deer have the Great One status in common – along with the stunning Red Fox, they are also among the three beautifully refined animals, who now look better than ever.
  • New weapon, unique cosmetics: Visit the Weapons Cache at any Outpost, and you will find a new weapon waiting for you. The Patriot is a powerful, modern 0.50 cal break-action muzzleloader made locally in New Hampshire. It is perfect for hunting large prey, but aim carefully – with great power comes… slow reload speed.Hunters will also receive three special welcome gifts: a free paint and a free camo, as well as the New England Mountains Scout Pack, which contains six weapon customization options. For Hunters looking for even more customization, the Veteran Pack (available to purchase via the in-game store) offers additional unique New England Mountains-inspired cosmetics: Paints, sprays, materials, camos and a unique wrap.
  • Free Granite Update – 60FPS + more wildlife: Alongside the New England Mountains reserve, we are excited to offer a series of free updates dubbed the Granite Update for theHunter: Call of the Wild:
    • The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions will receive a framerate boost of up to 60 FPS for a smoother hunting experience.
    • Extra animal species across nearly every reserve, giving Hunters plenty of reason to revisit their old favorite spots in search of new prey.
    • Already own a previously released reserve? Want to give your weapons a unique flavor? Well, you’re in luck, because we are giving all Hunters two free, themed cosmetics for each reserve, which they already own – one paint and one camo. This includes the two reserves in the base game.
    • This update also includes a range of performance improvements and minor additions to make your gameplay more enjoyable – an updated Harvest screen with preview, the ability to place/remove waypoints when using binoculars, as well as improved stability on consoles and various minor tweaks across the game on all platforms.

For more information, visit callofthewild.thehunter.com, and keep up with the latest updates from the game by following the team on Twitter @theHunterCOTW.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game – Meet the Lackeys Trailer

Good Shepherd Entertainment and Teravision Games just premiered a brand-new video at LA Comic Con for Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game! Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is a 3v7 asymmetrical multiplayer horror game based on the iconic 1988 cult horror classic film. When murderous alien Klowns come to feed on the quiet town of Crescent Cove, the locals must work together to fight back and survive the invasion. Players can team up as either Klowns or humans, choosing from a variety of character classes, to explore an expansive, ever-changing map with creepy surprises waiting around every corner.

https://youtu.be/gpefErBBfXo

Developed by Teravision Games, this playfully panic-inducing action experience faithfully recreates the atmosphere of the iconic movie and aims to stir up the asymmetrical multiplayer horror genre in multiple ways. The game is being developed as a live-service title, with multiple content updates planned for post-launch, and is expected to release in 2023 on Steam, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.

Firefighting Simulator – The Squad Console Launch Trailer

Firefighting Simulator – The Squad from astragon Entertainment and developer Chronos Unterhaltungssoftware is now available for consoles. Alone or in multiplayer with up to 4 players, the fight against fire now begins on PlayStation®4, Playstation®5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

In Firefighting Simulator – The Squad, players take on the battle against the flames alone or in multiplayer with up to 3 other virtual firefighters. In more than 40 varied missions, the virtual firefighters must scan the locations, assess the hazardous situation, and coordinate their own squad. The scenarios include forest fire, aircraft fire or fires in residential and industrial buildings with different fire sources.

Firefighting Simulator – The Squad is now available for PlayStation®4, Playstation®5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and costs EUR 29.99/USD 29.99/GBP 24.99. A box version is planned in selected territories in 2023.

New Hogwarts Legacy Music Video

Warner Bros. Games and Avalanche Software released today an orchestral music video to “Overture to the Unwritten” set over original gameplay footage from the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy game which is scheduled to be released on February 10, 2023. Players will experience life as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry like never before, as they live the unwritten and embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world.

“Overture to the Unwritten” features local studio musicians from Avalanche Software’s home state, Utah, including choir and orchestral members from the University of Utah, BYU, Salt Lake Symphony Orchestra and featuring renowned recording artists Nicole Pinnell, Nicole Klossner, Ryan Shupe, Abe Kaelin, Bart Olson, John Knudsen and Dune Moss. The video, filmed on location at big idea music studios in Sandy, Utah and Media Grabbers in North Salt Lake City, Utah, features the original composition by composers chuck e. myers “sea”, J. Scott Rakozy and Peter Murray and performed by a 54-piece orchestra conducted by Nathan Hofheins.

Projected behind the orchestra and interspliced throughout the music video, the original gameplay footage traverses throughout the Hogwarts Castle and the expansive surrounding areas including Hogsmeade, to reveal the vastness of the world. The orchestral song conjures a magical melody reminiscent of the Wizarding World fans are accustomed to while evoking an older descant from ancient lore.

As of today, fans are now able to stream or digitally purchase “Overture to the Unwritten.” All of the additional music from Hogwarts Legacy will be available on launch day on the Hogwarts Legacy (Original Video Game Soundtrack). Additionally, songs from Hogwarts Legacy will be featured on a second album titled, Hogwarts Legacy (Study Themes From the Original Video Game Soundtrack), an album focusing on more ambient, chill, relaxing music that is ideal to listen to while studying for classes at Hogwarts or any school. Both albums will be released by WaterTower Music and will be available at all digital streaming services.

Hogwarts Legacy is available for pre-order on PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4 via the PlayStation Store, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles via the Microsoft Store, and PC via the Steam and Epic Games Store. The Nintendo Switch pre-order date will be revealed soon.

For more information on how to pre-order Hogwarts Legacy, visit: www.hogwartslegacy.com

Exclusive Harry Potter Wand Collections Come to Universal Studios Theme Parks

A brand-new collection of authentic, interactive Ollivanders wands has arrived at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the globe, bringing 12 all-new wands – plus an additional one that is exclusive to each destination – to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort.

Each original wand within the new assortment pairs a wood type with one of the three powerful cores preferred by master wandmaker Garrick Ollivander from the Harry Potter film series – unicorn hair, dragon heartstring and phoenix feather – and comes with a first-ever “wand lore” insert that details the distinct properties of that specific wand and the attributes of its ideal owner. Guests can also use the new wands to cast spells and reveal magical surprises with the right incantation and a gentle flick of the wrist at select locations within the spectacularly themed lands.

The new collection also brings a unique wand to each Universal park that is exclusive to that destination and not available anywhere else, including:

  • a larch and phoenix feather wand at Universal Orlando Resort
  • a walnut and dragon heartstring wand at Universal Studios Hollywood
  • a cherry and unicorn hair wand at Universal Studios Japan
  • a red oak and unicorn hair wand at Universal Beijing Resort

The lineup of new interactive Ollivanders wands is available now at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort, and joins each park’s current selection of wands inspired by beloved characters from the Harry Potter series. For more information about Universal Parks & Resorts, visit www.universalparks.com.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns Official Launch Trailer

The official launch trailer for Marvel’s Midnight Suns is now available to watch. Debuting on today’s Marvel’s Midnight Suns Livestream, this action-packed trailer shows the devastating effects of Lilith’s successful takeover of the Sanctum Santorum – unleashing the forces of the underworld on Earth. Only the full might of the Hunter and the Midnight Suns stand a fighting chance to save the world.

As part of today’s livestream, the 13th and final playable character in the base game for Marvel’s Midnight Suns was also revealed – HULK! This powerhouse will be available to unlock further into the game, bringing incredible strength and endurance to any squad.

All five Marvel’s Midnight Suns Prequel Shorts are now available to watch on YouTube. For players looking to get a headstart on each of the playable heroes, check out the Character Deep Dives and Hero History segments.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns launches on December 2 for Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Launch timing for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch versions of the game will be shared at a later date.