Author - Jerry Paxton

Razer Unveils Viper Mini Signature Edition High-End Gaming Mouse

2023/02/02

Geek News, News, Peripherals News, Trailers / Videos

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the Razer Viper Mini Signature Edition, the epitome of gaming mouse technology. Built as a result of years of meticulous craftsmanship and engineering, the Viper Mini Signature Edition is an ultra-high-end, hyper-lightweight wireless performance gaming mouse that is turbocharged with Razer’s best-in-class technologies.

Engineered for the gamers that dare to want it all, the Viper Mini Signature Edition is the pinnacle of gaming mouse performance. Weighing an astonishing 49 grams, gamers can experience true perfection with a master-grade gaming peripheral packed with our best-in-class technologies, all in one perfect form.

Hyper-Lightweight at just 49 g

“We set out to create the best lightweight performance gaming mouse,” said Barrie Ooi, Head of Razer’s PC Gaming Division. “We went beyond our usual design process to look at material selection and alternate industrial designs to create an ultra-durable magnesium alloy exoskeleton chassis in the fan-favorite Viper Mini shape. As a result, the Viper Mini Signature Edition is just 49 grams light with no compromises, making it our lightest mouse ever.”

The use of magnesium alloy and injection-molding techniques enabled significant weight reduction in the mouse without compromising on durability, while still allowing for a comfortable grip in the popular Viper Mini design. These choices enabled the Viper Mini Signature Edition to remain hyper-lightweight at just 49 grams while still delivering world-class performance.

Magnesium Alloy Exoskeleton

Crafted from high-grade magnesium alloy, the Viper Mini Signature Edition features an exceptional weight-to-strength ratio, owing to a new intricate, ultra-durable design created using an injection molding technique.

“The Viper Mini Signature Edition represents the most ambitious design and engineering project we’ve ever undertaken,” said Charlie Bolton, Head of Industrial Design at Razer. “We wanted to push beyond the traditional honeycomb design and this required a material with an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. After evaluating plastics, carbon fiber, and even titanium, we ultimately chose magnesium alloy for its exceptional properties.”

Each unit of the Viper Mini Signature Edition is created with an injection-molded exoskeleton that is then CNC machined, and polished. The exoskeleton shell then undergoes passivation to reduce any susceptibility to corrosion, after which it is painted and assembled. At each step, each unit is meticulously inspected to uphold only the highest quality.

Razer Viper Mini Signature Edition Case

Industry-Leading Performance

Armed with the latest innovations, the Viper Mini Signature Edition is a high-end mouse that holds nothing back.

Boasting the Razer™ Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor, Razer™ Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3, and HyperPolling Wireless with true 4000 Hz wireless polling rates, the Viper Mini Signature Edition features the fastest wireless gaming technology from Razer for higher speeds and stable performance. In addition, the Viper Mini Signature Edition can fully charge in under 90 minutes thanks to a 2C charging rate, which is four times the peak charging capacity of most other wireless mice.

The Viper Mini Signature Edition comes with a pre-paired Razer HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, a set of Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 Mouse Feet, micro-fiber cleaning cloth, 2 Razer Mouse Grip Tape sets, and 2 alcohol prep pads. As an added benefit, the Viper Mini Signature Edition also includes a 3 year extended warranty.

Graphical user interface, website

The Viper Mini Signature Edition is the ultimate choice for gamers who demand a hyper-lightweight high-performance gaming mouse that does not compromise on performance or features, making it Razer’s best gaming mouse ever.

ABOUT THE RAZER VIPER MINI SIGNATURE EDITION

Razer HyperSpeed Wireless and Wired modes
Razer™ Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor
Up to 750 inches per second (IPS) / 70 G acceleration
99.8% resolution accuracy
Razer™ Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3 rated for 90M clicks
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours with HyperSpeed wireless
True wireless 4000 Hz polling rate with Razer HyperPolling Wireless Dongle
1.8 m / 6 ft Speedflex Type C cable for charging and wired use
Approximate size: 119 mm / 4.68 in (Length) x 62 mm / 2.44 in (Width) x 39 mm / 1.53 in (Height)
Approximate weight: 49g / 1.72oz (Excluding cable)

For more information on the Razer Viper Mini Signature Edition, please visit here.

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

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

$279.99 USD / 319.99€ MSRP

Exclusively available on Razer.com – First drop at 8PM PST February 11, 2023

Railway Empire 2 Getting Coop Mode

2023/02/01

Jerry Paxton

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

Publisher Kalypso Media and in–house developer Gaming Minds Studios have today announced two key features for the much-anticipated railway management simulator, Railway Empire 2. It can now be confirmed that players on select platforms, can team up with fellow tycoons with all-new cooperative multiplayer mode for up to four players – a highly requested feature from the Railway Empire community. The upcoming sequel will also now launch on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This is alongside the previously confirmed release with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC, as well as Xbox Series X|S consoles, PlayStation 5, PC and Nintendo Switch™.

Unleash your inner conductor to build an empire with a selection of 60 steam engines pulled from the pages of history, transporting you back to the 1830’s as North American and European train development laid the tracks of the modern railway. Railway Empire 2 builds off the engaging gameplay of its predecessor with improved construction, real-time terraforming, and expansive regional maps, offering new ways to explore and fortify your rail network. Buy a ticket for two (or three or four) and engage in newly announced cooperative gameplay to establish the greatest railway corporation on the continent. Or, take on the compelling single-player campaign with customizable free play and construction modes, including 5 campaigns and 14 scenarios to take your railway management skills to the next level.

All aboard for 2023, when Railway Empire 2 will be released with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC and will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles (supported through Smart Delivery), PlayStation 4|5, PC and Nintendo Switch.

The Mandalorian Season 3 Gets New Key Art and Trailer

2023/02/01

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

Today, Disney+ shared brand-new key art and an exciting featurette for the third season of “The Mandalorian,” the critically acclaimed, original, live-action series from Lucasfilm, streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting March 1. Watch the new featurette and join Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Rick Famuyiwa and others as they explore how “The Mandalorian” and its fan-favorite character Grogu rose to engage the world and win the hearts of viewers across the globe.

The journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together.

The series stars Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Amy Sedaris, Emily Swallow and Giancarlo Esposito. The directors of the eight-episode Season 3 include Rick Famuyiwa, Rachel Morrison, Lee Isaac Chung, Carl Weathers, Peter Ramsey and Bryce Dallas Howard.

Jon Favreau is the showrunner/head writer and serves as an executive producer along with Dave Filoni, Rick Famuyiwa, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck are co-executive producers.

The Mandalorian Season 3

Twitter: @DisneyPlus; @starwars; @TheMandalorian

Instagram: @DisneyPlus; @starwars; @TheMandalorian

Facebook: @DisneyPlus; @starwars

TikTok: @DisneyPlus

Hashtag: #DisneyPlus

SpongeBob SquarePants – The Cosmic Shake Official Launch Trailer

2023/02/01

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

We interrupt whatever it is you’re doing for a Bikini Bottom special news report! Recent reports from our fish on the ground have described the scene as wild, claiming that the news “SpongeBob SquarePants – The Cosmic Shake is now available” has thrown Bikini Bottom into disarray: Innocent citizens and beloved landmarks have disappeared into strange, magical portals!

Officials are asking the population to stay calm and have come out with an official statement: “Notorious Bikini Bottom residents SpongeBob
and Patrick are on the case!” Of course, this leads us to a number of questions.

Will our heroes brave the many dangers of the fantastical WishWorlds? Will they rescue their friends and bring them home safely? Will fancy moves and even fancier costumes prevail?! And will the Chum Bucket serve something edible for a change? Bikini Bottom is counting on you! If you want to learn more, check our footage directly from the scene.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake launches today on PC, PlayStation®4, Xbox One™, and Nintendo Switch™. The game is available at an SRP of € 39.99 / $ 39.99 / £ 34.99.

Sound Blaster X5 DAC Announced

2023/02/01

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

Creative Technology today launched Sound Blaster X5, its latest USB DAC and amplifier sound card that ticks all the boxes on a discerning audiophile’s gear wish list. Decked with class-leading components, breakthrough audio technologies, a comprehensive connectivity profile and sporting a premium look and feel in a sleek build, the X5 simply pulls out all the stops as a compelling audio solution like no other.

This is It for Pristine Audio

Sound Blaster X5 personifies the best of Creative’s audio engineering and design expertise, equipped with audiophile-grade components to achieve exceptional audio quality. It is the first Sound Blaster to feature a dual-DAC design – 2 Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs deliver high-resolution lossless playback in 32-bit / 384 kHz over PCM with ultra-high dynamic range of up to 130 dB DNR. These DACs can also decode audio formats in DoP128 and DSD256 for high-fidelity audio streaming. Audio distortion is practically non-existent with an oversampled multi-bit modulator for an incredibly low Total Harmonic Distortion rating of 0.00018%.

From studio-grade headphones with impedance of up to 600 ohms, including the most demanding planar-magnetic headphones, to sensitive in-ear monitors with 1 ohm output impedance, Sound Blaster X5 drives them all effortlessly. The award-winning Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplification technology, which is found in the high-end Sound Blaster AE series and Sound BlasterX G6, receives a design upgrade that, coupled with a dual-DAC and dual-Xamp configuration, delivers a fully-balanced headphone output and experience on the X5. A next-level design for audio fidelity makes its debut, using 2 dedicated Xamp circuits that amplifies the left and right channels separately in isolation throughout the entire chain of amplification, effectively eliminating in-circuit interference, noise and cross-talk. What makes the X5 stand out even more is the fact that this type of audio design is a rare find in its price category (sub-US$300).

Audiophiles with a lean to customize their own audio signatures can do just that with the Sound Blaster X5. When connected to the Creative app, they can make adjustments with a 10-band equalization frequency graph, add on Acoustic Engine effects like Surround, Crystalizer, Bass or Dialog+, or use CrystalVoice to improve communication quality. When in the mood for gaming, Scout Mode enhances in-game audio cues to highlight details for a competitive edge.

Sound Blaster X5 also supports ASIO 2.2 for low-latency playback and recording, as well as easy access to multiple audio inputs and outputs.

Full Marks for Connectivity

Sound Blaster X5 is a competent audio hub in its own right; its versatility means it is also compatible with various devices, including gaming consoles, DVD players and other living room entertainment systems. There are two-way RCA and TOSLINK Optical connectors, a convenient USB-C audio and power port, as well as a 3.5 mm microphone-in port with an easy-to-access mic gain knob. There is also a 4.4 mm port for studio-grade balanced headphones, and a 3.5 mm port for regular headphones. All 3 ports use premium gold-plated connectors for better performance. It features a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver and a dedicated USB-A host audio port for connection to wireless audio transmitters, as well as external USB speakers, headsets and microphones.

With a set of controls designed for an intuitive user experience, Sound Blaster X5’s front-mounted buttons and switches are easy to access and right at the fingertips for the audiophile’s convenience.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster X5 is priced at US$279.99 and is available at the Creative online store.

For more information on Sound Blaster X5, visit creative.com/SBX5.

Steel Seed Announcement Trailer

2023/02/01

Jerry Paxton

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

Italian development studio Storm in a Teacup is excited to share a first glimpse at STEEL SEED, its next project following on from 2019’s historic horror adventure, Close to the Sun.

Thousands of years have passed since the human race took the planet to the brink of destruction, causing the AI machines to take all means necessary to save a number of them. Hiding deep below earth’s surface, the last survivors are kept safe, but a new threat has presented itself.

Is it human? Or Machine? And what does it mean for the remnants of the Human Race and their machine guardians?

Carlo Ivo Alimo Bianchi, Storm in a Teacup CEO & Creative Director said “STEEL SEED represents the most challenging project till now for Storm in a Teacup, featuring both a varied combat/stealth system and incredibly deep and emotional storytelling. STEEL SEED is an epic journey that will test your humanity.”

STEEL SEED is a Storm in a Teacup’s take on Stealth/Action gaming coming to PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles in 2024.

For further updates, be sure to follow Storm in a Teacup on social media – Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram

World Championship Boxing Manager 2 Review – I Didn’t Hear No Bell!

2023/02/01

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Reviews, Windows PC News, Windows PC Review

I first got some experience with Ziggurat Interactive’s World Championship Boxing Manager 2 (WCBM2) while playing its demo on Steam. I had a lot of fun training up my boxer and putting him up against opponents in various bouts. But, I didn’t get the whole game experience. I recently got the chance to play the full game, which is now out on Steam, and have enough time under my belt to bring this review to bear. World Championship Boxing Manager 2 is the sequel to the 1991 game, World Championship Boxing Manager. In the game, you act as the manager and do everything from hire boxers to send them to training, give them advice during matches, and keep the money flowing in from (hopefully) how victorious they are in the ring.

A Critical Punch

World Championship Boxing Manager 2 has a fun story mode with a full plot in which you manage a young boxer named Axel to glory. It’s meant as the game’s tutorial and tends to be on the easier side of things in term of opponents. In the career mode, you will manage one or several fighters and their regiments depending on how good you are at managing them. The game mechanics are fairly easy to understand and the fights can provide a good challenge. I was a bit confounded by the lack of weight classes in the game, but I digress. Training your fighters consists of planning their regiment a week at a time. Some days you may opt for rest so they renew their energy reserves while other days you can have them hit the gym, run, swim, and a lot more. During boxing matches, you will be able to instruct your boxer to fighter in various styles and provide them with a health or stamina boost each round.

The Manager

The game’s visual presentation is very reminiscent of those fun SEGA training-based games like Derby Owner’s Club, etc. It’s got a fun 90’s pixel art vibe that serves it well. Boxing matches are interesting to watch and provide enough suspense as to when or if your boxer will take (or give) a good punch. Unfortunately, there is a lot of repetition to be found in the game. Boxers both stand in the center trading punches without moving around a whole lot. It would make the rounds even more interesting if they would perform a few more punch animations and perhaps danced a bit around each other. Not that the game isn’t fun for short bursts of play, but it does suffer from “more of the same” syndrome if you play long enough.

Overall, World Championship Boxing Manager 2 is a fun game to spend some time with. However, there is a lot of repetitiveness to be found here and that could affect just how long you stick with the game. It’s available now on Steam for a very reasonably priced $12.99.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

The Crew Motorfest Announced for 2023

2023/02/01

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Today, Ubisoft announced that the The Crew franchise will enter a new era with its next installment: The Crew™ Motorfest. The game will be available in 2023 on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store and Epic Games Store. Players will also be able to access the game through a Ubisoft+ subscription on PC and Amazon Luna*.

Welcome to Motorfest! This one-of-a-kind festival will let players enjoy the best experiences car culture has to offer. Motorfest will allow car lovers to fulfill their ultimate action driving bucket list through a series of tailor-made races, themed events and other unique challenges. Whichever way players enjoy cars and driving, there is something in there for them.

The Crew Motorfest has settled down in one of the most breathtaking and vibrant places on Earth: the island of O‘ahu in the Hawaiian archipelago. This is the perfect playground to let players have fun together with their vehicles: racing through the city streets of Honolulu, going down the ashy volcano slopes, adventuring deep in the lush rainforest, drifting along the curvy mountain roads or just chilling down on the sunny beach. On their own or with their crew, they will be able to explore the entire island behind the wheel of hundreds of the most legendary vehicles.

This is just the beginning! Players can expect more details about the full Motorfest program in the coming months.

The development team at Ubisoft Ivory Tower is committed to offering the most exciting and meaningful experience possible for all players. To do so, some of the most engaged players will be able to get behind the wheel early through the Insider Program, starting tomorrow, on February 1. This closed test, split into different phases, will help the development team gather feedback to ensure an optimal player experience at launch and beyond. The first phase of the Insider Program will be limited to PC in order to allow for quick iterations. During the final phases, this closed test will open up to consoles. Register now to get a chance to join the Insider Program – www.thecrewgame.com/insiderprogram.

For more information about The Crew Motorfest, please visit thecrewgame.com and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/thecrewgame.usa, on Instagram at instagram.com/thecrewgame, on TikTok at tiktok.com/@thecrewgame and on Twitter at twitter.com/TheCrewGame or #TheCrewMotorfest.

For the latest news on The Crew Motorfest and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.

Hogwarts Legacy Launch Trailer Drops and I Am Stoked

2023/02/01

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Warner Bros. Games and Avalanche Software released today the Hogwarts Legacy launch trailer ahead of the open-world, action role-playing-game’s worldwide launch for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on February 10, 2023.

In the stunning new trailer, fans are welcomed to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where they will become part of the magic and live out their dreams as a student.

Hogwarts Legacy invites players to embark on an epic journey as a fifth-year student at Hogwarts, gifted with a rare ability to tap into ancient, powerful magic. Guided by the Wizard’s Field Guide and unique instruction from professors and other characters, fans will uncover a compelling storyline filled with thrilling challenges and mysteries.

Faced with perilous dangers, players will defend Hogwarts against deadly enemies and uncover the secrets of the wizarding world’s forgotten past.

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

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed First DLC Out Now

2023/02/01

Jerry Paxton

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

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, a 4v1 hunt or haunt action-packed video game from the asymmetrical multiplayer experts at IllFonic, is releasing the first DLC on January 31, 2023. This packed DLC is FREE with the purchase of the original game available on PC/Epic Games Store, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One for $39.99.

DLC Highlights:

The Facility, New Map – The Facility closed for good in the late 1980s and has been recently purchased by a private investor group, who have plans to renovate and reopen the facility. Unfortunately for them, it’s being plagued by ghostly activity, and construction crews refuse to enter this haunted health center. Design Director, Jordan Mathewson shares what makes playing this map unique, “This job location [map] is clearly worn by time which gives players a unique feeling compared to our previous job locations [maps]. Construction workers are civilians and have begun a restoration of this facility that has uncovered why it was abandoned in the first place. Varied corridors combined with medium-sized rooms are built stacked up to provide a unique, more intimate gameplay experience with a creepier aesthetic. There will be some interesting ways to utilize these new areas in this map to each player’s, Ghostbuster or Ghost, advantage.”
New Ghost Type – Glutton which includes Muncher plus two additional variants – Immediately recognizable, Muncher, is a fan-favorite and the most requested Ghost IllFonic has received. If you are a haunting enthusiast, then you will not be disappointed to get your hands on this mischievous Ghost Type in game.
Firehouse Additions – Players will see new character customization options, gear like the Belt Gizmo and Disruptor Pylon, along with improvements to gear attachments, and more.
Game Play – The team has been hard at work making improvements to game matchmaking. All bots in the game have also been improved, those haunting you and those helping you bust ghosts.

Remember, IllFonic plans to release similar DLC Drops each quarter of 2023 for free, in addition to the continued Quality of Life patches supporting Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed.