Author - Jerry Paxton

Killing Floor 2 Polar Distress Update Trailer

The weather isn’t the only thing that’s frightening this Holiday season… Developer and publisher Tripwire Interactive is excited to announce that the esteemed first-person shooter and co-op action title, Killing Floor 2 is set to receive its free annual winter update with Polar Distress. Releasing on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store), the content update boasts a new featured community map, weekly mode, and weapons, as well as quality-of-life improvements, letting players spread their holiday cheer as they take down ferocious Zeds in style.

The Polar Distress update will run from Dec. 7 – Jan. 10 and brings a wealth of new content for the holiday season. The new community map, Crash, lets players loose on an icy compound, full of terrors around each corner and a new set of map objectives for players to complete. As a bonus, those who complete all the seasonal map objectives will earn a special Train Conductor Companion. Additional update content includes two new paid DLC weapons with five skin-variant cosmetics each and two free HRG weapons. For all the latest information on the Polar Distress update, special sales and more, fans can follow Tripwire on Twitter, or visit the official website.

Killing Floor 2: Polar Distress Update Highlights:

New Featured Community Map: Crash:

  • Standard Survival Map
  • Compatible with Survival, Weekly, Versus, and Endless Game Modes.

Time-limited Objectives:

  • New seasonal objectives related to Crash
  • Complete all seasonal objectives to earn the Train Conductor Backpack

Weekly Game Mode:

  • Perk Roulette: In this mode, your perk is no longer a choice. For each wave, you’ll have to adapt to the perk assigned. Use snap judgment and make the best with what you got in this intense mode of random mayhem!
  • Players can earn the Perk Roulette Backpack

Weapons: 2 New Paid DLC Weapons with 5 skin variants each

  • HV Storm Cannon
  • Zed Eradicator Device MK III

HRG Weapons: 2 New Free HRG Weapons

  • HRG Medic Missile
  • HRG Ballistic Bouncer

Cosmetics: 4 Weapons Skin Bundles and 1 Outfit Bundle

  • Retro Gamer Weapon Skin Bundle Pack
  • Chameleon MK III Weapon Skin Bundle Pack
  • Medieval Weapon Skin Bundle Pack
  • Tacticool Weapon Skin Bundle Pack
  • Train Conductor Outfit Bundle

Fallout 76 Nuka-World on Tour and Season 11 Available Now

The Nuka-World on Tour update is now available and free for all Fallout 76 players. The travelling road show has officially set up permanent residence in Appalachia! Head to the fairgrounds in the Ash Heap region to find new Public Events, square off against the monstrous Ultracite Titan, try games of skill in the Nukacade, meet new characters, earn rewards, and more!

In addition, Season 11 kicks off today for all players. Complete challenges and rank up to earn tons of rewards, from Nuka-Cola themed backpacks to C.A.M.P. decorations, power armor skins, and so much more.

Read on to learn more about what’s coming in Nuka-World on Tour…

NEW PUBLIC EVENTS
Nuka-World on Tour has set up various activities all around the park, including three new public events that will appear every 20 minutes, and contain new rewards for players to collect, from all new weapons to new clothing items, C.A.M.P. décor and more!

NEW REGION BOSS
Band together to take down a new region boss: the devastating Ultracite Titan. Prepare for a battle of epic proportions. The Ultracite Titan is the largest creature ever in a Fallout game! Gear up and prepare for a showdown like never before.

GET A HIGH SCORE IN THE NUKACADE!
Take a break from the new Public Events or massive Ultracite Titan and visit the Nukacade to try your hand at carnival games that are sure to be fun for the whole family! It’s got all your favorites, like “Bandit Roundup,” “Nuka Zapper Race,” and “Whack-A-Commie.” We’re also proud to introduce “Bottle Blaster,” which will truly test your might. As you play, you will earn Nukacade points, which you can redeem to get exciting prizes.

BUILD LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH THE FREE CAM
Free cam is a new quality-of-life feature for builders. When inside build mode, select X on keyboard, or Start on controller to enter Free cam mode. In this mode, the camera detaches from your character, allowing you to freely build at new heights, pan through walls, doors, windows, and floors.

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