Author - Jerry Paxton

Carbon Based Lifeforms Unveils Free to Play Sci-Fi MMO Hyperspace

2022/02/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Carbon Based Lifeforms, a new game development studio based in Edinburgh, Scotland, today announces Hyperspace. The studio’s first project is a free-to-play science fiction massively multiplayer online (MMO) sandbox game. Set in an all-new universe created by Carbon Based Lifeforms, and drawing from the classic aesthetic of the golden era of 1970s science fiction, Hyperspace gives players the freedom to choose their own life and style of play – whether they want to be a galaxy-spanning explorer, a high-tech craftsman, or a rebellious intergalactic outlaw.

Hyperspace tells a tale of galaxies on edge and rife for exploration and domination. When an experiment to create a stable wormhole between two galaxies went wrong they were instantly merged into one. Eons later and as four economic territories vie for control, the impacts of that devastation still ripple through the new galaxy as the disparate species struggle to get along. Yet there are still opportunities to get out there, discover the past and make a better future. Or at least make a tidy profit on the side.

Hyperspace players can create their character based on one of eight playable races, each with their own expanded lore and culture within a much larger universe, and participate in several activities with classes which include; Hunter, Gatherer, Explorer, and Trader, allowing them to customize their experience to suit their style of play. The space-themed gaming experience transports players to an expansive galaxy that’s filled with thousands of star systems, multiple territories, and four galactic currencies, giving users endless opportunities within an ever-evolving sandbox.

“We are very excited to announce Hyperspace. We know that this game will mean a lot to the sci-fi gaming community, because it means a lot to us as fans of MMOs and science fiction ourselves. Our goal is to bring old school classic cosmic adventure into the next generation of sandbox MMOs with a vibrant player-driven economy and hugely expansive narrative to explore. We can’t wait to show you more, and hope you’ll join us on this journey… it’s going to be something special.” – Theo Priestley, CEO – Carbon Based Lifeforms

Core Game Features

  • Explore in Style | Build your ship and explore the galaxy, trade across the depths of space or hunt down valuable bounties. With a huge array of different options, players can outfit their vessels to fit their play-style.
  • Unparalleled Customization | In the vastness of the galaxy there are some colorful characters to encounter. Play as one of eight different races from the hulking Carbaryl to the insectoid Krivak, Each with a deep lore and history of how they made it to the stars.
  • Your Place in the Universe Matters | Become a bounty hunter, weaponsmith, explorer, trader, or scout with various factions in space. Chart new routes through the galactic map or wait in ambush as others float too far from safety. Either way, Hyperspace hosts plenty of options for progression.
  • The Universe Has a History | Tapping into the lore is important to us at Carbon Based Lifeforms, we will be announcing our partnerships with several sci-fi writers to create an even greater depth, before you dive into the galaxy.
  • Make Your Name, Make a Living | Whether you choose to craft your way to fame, or collect bounties on the outlaws of the galaxy, you’ll be able to make a fortune in-game, and be offered the chance to turn it into real-life money should you choose.

Hyperspace is open for pre-registration on the game’s website, at www.hyperspace.game. Players who sign up now will gain access to news as it becomes available and will be the first to receive updates on upcoming alpha and beta testing phases. More game details, and first gameplay videos, will be available in the coming weeks and months at the official site and the social media channels below.

Carbon Based Lifeforms are also delighted to be working with such talents as award-winning composer Austin Wintory, FRAG Games, and Astrofish Games in the development of the first gameplay demonstration of Hyperspace and into the future.

Former Witcher and Cyberpunk Co-Devs to Develop New RPG

2022/02/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Industry News, News

Konrad Tomaszkiewicz (Game Director – The Witcher 3, Head of Production/Secondary Game Director – Cyberpunk 2077) has assembled a new pack at startup studio, Rebel Wolves. Driven by the desire to build a passionate team dedicated to creating vibrant virtual worlds, filled to the brim with powerful emotions and unique experiences, Konrad envisioned a new studio with a united goal of doing things differently while also putting the team first at all times.

“For all of us here at Rebel Wolves, video games were always something we felt destined to do—something ingrained in our DNA. Personally, I couldn’t be happier to have banded together with friends who share this passion. We’re developing a video game we’d like to play in a way that games should be made. We want to evolve the cRPG genre by creating unforgettable stories and stirring deep emotions, all while working as a tightly knit team united by a shared goal and ambition. Collectively, we envision Rebel Wolves as a place where experienced game developers can reignite their passion, where they can focus on their craft and pour their love into an amazing, ambitious title. We want to stay small and agile—a place where people know and care for each other.” – Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, Rebel Wolves CEO and Game Director.

Rebel Wolves was born with aspirations of breaking away from the weight of AAA development studios and approaching every goal as a team. A lone wolf may be powerful, but true strength lies in the pack. In the coming months, Rebel Wolves will be hiring to fill various roles at the studio, both in-house and remote, and you can reach out to office@rebel-wolves.com for more information.

Bringing together a talented team of industry veterans from projects such as The Witcher Series, Cyberpunk 2077, Thronebreaker, and Shadow Warrior 2, Rebel Wolves is a new studio built on the foundations of fairness, teamwork, and openness. Unified by the mission of putting the team first—ALWAYS—they believe that happy people create great games as they endeavor to revolutionize the RPG genre with their first project. The first of a planned saga, Rebel Wolves’ first title is AAA dark fantasy built inside the Unreal 5 engine.

“In order to create truly great games, we won’t chase trends or numbers. Our goal is clearly defined: to create memorable games, tell moving stories, and evoke visceral emotions. It’s ambitious, true – and I’m glad it is. Art needs ambition. I don’t want to create another game. I want to work on titles people will remember.” – Jakub Szamałek – Narrative Director & Main Writer.

Rebel Wolves is formed by Design Director Daniel Sadowski (Witcher 1, Nitreal Games, Growing Up), Narrative Director and Main Writer Jakub Szamałek (Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Thronebreaker), Animation Director Tamara Zawada (Witcher 3, Shadow Warrior 2, Capcom Vancouver), Art Director Bartłomiej Gaweł (Witcher 1-3), CFO Michał Boryka, and Studio Head Robert Murzynowski.

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Returns for 2022

2022/02/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is our annual food-inspired event that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a tantalizing lineup of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to one-of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks that you can only find at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time of the year. In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of local crafters, live music, musical stage shows and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival runs a full extra week this year starting March 18, operating daily through April 24, 2022. This year’s event will introduce entirely new food offerings featuring a selection of more than two dozen food and drink items. A few new items to note include:

  • Crab Sushi Roll with a Boysenberry Aioli
  • Chicken Dumplings with a Boysenberry Wonton and a Teriyaki Dipping Sauce
  • Boysenberry Horchata
  • Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Boysenberry Cheese Sauce
  • Trio of Sausage with Peppers and Onions on Boysenberry Polenta
  • Spring Fling Salad with Shrimp and a Boysenberry Vinaigrette
  • Boysenberry Filled Donut Open Faced Chicken Sandwich with an Aioli Drizzle
  • Deconstructed Lemonade with Blackberries, Loganberries, and Red Raspberries
  • Boysenberry Rocky Road Brownie
  • Boysenberry Pie Bars
  • Boysenberry Slushy Mudslide (alcoholic)
  • Boysenberry Seltzer
  • Prosecco with Hibiscus and Boysenberry
  • Boysenberry Sweet Tea with Vodka

A great way to indulge in the new boysenberry food items during the festival is by purchasing a tasting card priced at $50 (or $45 for season pass holders). The tasting card will offer six tastings from a selection of 25 boysenberry-inspired dishes and drinks. A variety of signature boysenberry items will also be available for purchase a la carte. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or at the theme park.

Guests can also create over 75 unique boysenberry-inspired creations with limited edition merchandise found throughout the park. This year’s new merchandise includes a selection of packaged food items perfect for take-home souvenirs like the new boysenberry microbrew BBQ sauce, boysenberry crème brulé coffee, boysenberry brownie cookies, boysenberry pepper bacon spread and boysenberry balsamic grilling glaze. The Berry Market, located in the California Marketplace, also features signature boysenberry items like the refreshing boysenberry sarsaparilla and our classic jams and preserves. Unique boysenberry-inspired artisan products will also be available at the Boysenberry Festival Craft Fair returning with 30 local craft vendors. Each crafter features its own boysenberry-themed items.

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

  •                       Guests are invited to join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts Gang in the musical stage show Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree! The show is sure to have families dancing and singing along at the Calico Mine Stage
  •                       Knott’s pays tribute to its past at the legendary Bird Cage Theatre with a special presentation of the brand-new comedy melodrama, Riverboat Revenge. All aboard for this boysenberry bon voyage!
  •                       Get in on the fun with some of the craziest and messiest games in Calico. Try your berry best in our Boysenberry Fun and Games, including the wildly entertaining Boysenberry Pie Eating Contest.
  •                       Young ones and young at heart are invited to cozy up to the cutest critters on the farm, including horses, sheep, goats and other furry friends. Old MacDonald’s Barn pays tribute to one of the farm’s original attractions.
  •                       A classic returns! Travel back to the ’80s as you dance the night away to the decade’s best songs at Knott’s Totally Tubular 80’s Dance Party.
  •                       Pull up a chair as our blues trio, the Boysenberry Blues, conjures up some of the smoothest tunes performing at the Boardwalk BBQ patio.
  •                       You can also grab a seat (and a plate!) at Fireman’s BBQ, where various musical duos take the stage with a selection of bluegrass and country tunes, they will have your toes a-tappin’ and your hands a clappin’!
  •                       Enjoy the sounds from South of the Border in Fiesta Village as the Mariachi Angelitas present a lively show filled with rich history and tradition.
  •                       Grab a slice of history in our museum History of the Boysenberry dedicated to the berry that started it all!

The Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm or with a special Knott’s Hotel Boysenberry Package that includes overnight accommodations steps from the park, a tasting card, parking and more. Additional costs apply for food tasting experiences within the event. Knott’s will have extended hours on select days March 18 – April 24, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of the limited-time offerings.

The best way to savor every day of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2022 Season Pass! Get unlimited visits, food and merchandise discounts, plus so much more! For more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone. Join the conversation using the hashtag #BoysenberryFestival

Tiny Combat Arena Now in Early Access

2022/02/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Tiny Combat Arena, the stylized Combat Flight SimLite that is all about the fun factor of flight and air warfare is out today in Early Access on Steam with a 30% Launch Discount! That means 14 USD / 11,7€.

Tiny Combat Arena is a labor-of-love combat flight simulator that aims to strike the perfect balance between a simulator and an approachable, customizable, air combat experience. All executed in a stylized look representing a fictional Cold War-era conflict.

Check out the New Trailer:

 

Ice Age: Scrat Tales Official Poster Released

2022/02/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News

Disney+ has released the key art for “Ice Age: Scrat Tales.” “Ice Age: Scrat Tales” is a series of six all-new animated shorts starring Scrat, the hapless saber-toothed squirrel of the “Ice Age” adventures, who experiences the ups and downs of fatherhood, as he and the adorable, mischievous Baby Scrat, alternately bond with each other and battle for ownership of the highly treasured Acorn. Featuring the vocal talents of Chris Wedges (Scrat) and Karl Wahlgren (Baby Scrat), the series is produced by Anthony Nisi, with Robert L. Baird and Andrew Millstein serving as executive producers. “Ice Age: Scrat Tales” will debut on Disney+ on April 13.

THE SHORTS:

  • “Nuts About You” – Directed by Michael Berardini and Donnie Long. Story by Michael Berardini.
    • In “Nuts About You,” Scrat meets his son Baby Scrat and experiences the pure joy of being a new parent—until Baby Scrat sees The Acorn for the first time.
  • “LoFi Scrat Beats to Sleep/Chill to” – Directed by Donnie Long and Matt Munn. Story by Donnie Long.
    • In “LoFi Scrat Beats to Sleep/Chill to,” Scrat pounds out a percussive lullaby to get a crying Baby Scrat to fall asleep.                                                                
  • “X’s and Uh-O’s” – Directed by Donnie Long and Drew Winey. Story by James Young Jackson and Drew Winey.
    • In “X’s and Uh-O’s,” Scrat demonstrates for Baby Scrat how to plant The Acorn, but Scrat is really the one being taught a lesson.       
  • “Nutty Reflections” – Directed by Donnie Long and Eric Prah. Story by Galen Tan Chu.
    • In “Nutty Reflections,” Scrat and Baby Scrat run after The Acorn into a dark cave, which resembles a creepy funhouse hall of mirrors. 
  •  “Teeter Toddler” – Directed by Jeff Gabor and Donnie Long. Story by Galen Tan Chu.
    • In “Teeter Toddler,” thanks to a dodo bird, Scrat and Baby Scrat end up on opposite sides of a log held up by a single branch.
  • “Nut The End” – Directed by Lisa Allen Keane and Donnie Long. Story by Michael Thurmeier.
    • In “Nut The End,” The Acorn goes flying off a cliff. With it seemingly gone forever, can Scrat and Baby Scrat live in harmony? 

Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle Steam Next Fest Teaser Trailer

2022/02/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Publisher Leonardo Interactive and developer Invader Studios have announced that story-driven, survival horror prequel Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle will release a free demo as part of the Steam Next Fest celebration from February 21 to February 28. Set before the events of the critically acclaimed Daymare: 1998, the game follows special agent Dalila Reyes, a former government spy now in service of H.A.D.E.S. (Hexacore Advanced Division for Extraction and Search), as she explores the ominous, labyrinthine depths of the most advanced experimental research center in the United States of America.

The Steam demo will immerse you in a survival horror like you’ve never experienced before! Prepare to be transported back in time where you will discover the beginning of this terrifying journey and the mysterious connections that ties this prequel to Daymare: 1998. Explore some of Daymare’s most iconic and captivating locations as you reveal the horror hidden in the most secretive military research centre in the USA. Go deeper into increasingly crazy, macabre and hellish environments and take on the ferocious Decoys, the deadly creatures that stand in your way.

Survive a relentless and terrifying hunt using the innovative crowd control mechanics linked to one of the most innovative and original weapons ever, the Frost Grip. But remember, adopting the same strategy will not be enough to survive your mission. Watch your back and don’t take anything for granted. In Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle, no place is safe.

Blood-curdling nightmares lie in wait, howling for a chance to tear flesh from bone. Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle will launch on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam later this year.

“Like its predecessor, Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle is a tribute to iconic 90s horror entertainment,” says Daniele Falcone, Team Coordinator at Leonardo Interactive. “The prequel will improve upon Daymare: 1998 in nearly every way with stunning character animations, breathtaking cutscenes, and meticulously crafted boss encounters that require experimentation and strategy. Prepare to witness your favorite old school zombie flicks and video games be brought back to life.”

“After months of silence and a lot of work, and thanks to the support of Leonardo Interactive, we are happy to finally be able to dare a taste of our new title.” says the Invader Studios team. “With Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle we want to evolve what we presented with Daymare: 1998 and make action-horror lovers live a completely new experience… but with a nostalgic 90’s flavour, as we like to say!”

CCP Games Shares ‘Road to Fanfest’ 2022

2022/02/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Industry News, News

CCP Games today shared ‘Road to Fanfest’, a roadmap detailing what content, activities, and updates are in the works for EVE Online. It discusses how the space MMO will shift away from the ‘EVE in Quadrants’ initiative to a more narrative-driven approach, giving players greater opportunities to leave an impact on its vast universe and history. More details will be revealed at EVE Fanfest 2022

At a high level, players can look forward to the following changes and events:

  • An extension of the new player experience featuring an epic mining adventure.
  • A revamped compression mechanic greatly benefiting fleet mining operations.
  • A graphical update with vastly improved environmental reflections.
  • Balance changes to structures, battleships and various Quality of Life updates and changes.
  • Returning events like Guardian’s Gala that started on the 10th of February, Friendship Week, and Guristas Hunt.
  • Capsuleer Day celebrations to kick off EVE Fanfest 2022.

God Simulator Announcement Trailer

2022/02/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

S2 Games are thrilled to introduce the world to their latest project, God Simulator, the global-economic strategy-simulation game with a brand new gameplay trailer watchable here:

All those that want to play God can also officially wishlist the game on PC via their Steam page here.

In God Simulator, players are in charge of the whole world through a control centre, tasked with keeping up to date with the prayers, hopes and crimes of… yes, everyone! Can you imagine the approval ratings? Decide who is worthy of helping, from hard-working people and tribes to deranged individuals begging for forgiveness, knowing that civilisations from all walks of life will look up to you for answers. Your goal? Decide whether humanity is worth helping or play devil in an alluring alternative, and see the world burn!

Your dutiful days will consist of sitting in the saintly hot-seat, as the main hub directs all of your almighty actions. Examine lists of individuals’ hopes, dreams and crimes, read ‘local prayers’ from your favorite civilizations and keep up with news of the world and with your approval ratings through charts and graphs on your various screens! The balance of the world (and of your reputation) is in your hands – will you go down a path of world peace, or bring the end of days to fruition?

Key Features:

  • WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL WORLD? Will your world be one of plenty and peace or will you let the planet spin out of control? Read and answer (or ignore) people’s wishes, see and punish their crimes and give entire civilizations a head start or the short straw!
  • PAY ATTENTION TO THE HOLY HUB. Keep up-to-date with the latest prayers from around the world via “Region Preview”, track your prayer progress with “Situation Overview”, and take a peek at your latest approval ratings to see the amount of faith people have in you.
  • WHITE ROBES OR SPIKY HORNS? Choose from a range of unique character models, or mix and match to create your own Stylistic God – from Egyptian and Greek mythology to the more traditional white-robes style. Hell, did someone say Satan?!

“Our continuous efforts to develop and publish independent video games that entertain has  brought us to God Simulator! We couldn’t be happier to bring this wacky game to life!” Said Mike Jadore, Creative Manager at S2 Games. “We love to let our creativity run wild at the studio, and we tried to show that off in our art style as much as in the choices people will be able to make whilst playing, so we hope you enjoy it!”

Reimagined Tomb Raider Box Art Set Available for Charity Fundraiser

2022/02/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Industry News, News

As a part of Crystal Dynamics’ ongoing effort to encourage under-represented communities to join the game development industry, the company today announced a charity drive in collaboration with Girls Make Games, celebrating 25 years of Tomb Raider and Lara Croft’s birthday.

Available exclusively from the Square Enix Store, gamers can purchase a complete set of 15 prints of reimagined Tomb Raider box art created by legendary artists from around the world for a limited time for only $49 (plus shipping and sales tax). All proceeds from the sale go to Girls Make Games, a program dedicated to inspiring the next generation of game designers, creators, and engineers.

Artists were chosen to ensure a diverse array of styles and were given full freedom to reimagine the series’ box art, resulting in Lara Croft portrayed in comic, anime, whimsical, realistic, and surrealistic styles.

“No matter the genre or medium, as a pop-culture icon of 25 years, Lara Croft is instantly recognizable throughout this incredible art series,” said Scot Amos, Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. “Girls Make Games is an amazing program and we are proud to partner together on this charity fundraiser. Our hope is that it will translate into hundreds of girls getting the chance to attend Girls Make Games summer camps, workshops, and other outreach activities.”

Among the accomplished and supremely talented crew of artists were Marvel Studios’ Visual Development Supervisor Andy Park, legendary Japanese artist, character designer, and illustrator Yoshitaka Amano, Batgirl, Gotham City Sirens, and Overwatch graphic novel artist Babs Tarr, and Crystal Dynamics’ own Art Director Brenoch Adams, who kicked off the initiative with his take on the original Tomb Raider’s box art and followed up with an original version of Tomb Raider: Anniversary. All 14 artists crafted unique takes on the box art for each game through their own lens, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.

Participating artists include:

The full set of prints can be seen here

To buy the print set, visit this link to the Square Enix Store

Zombie Army 4: Dead War Coming to Nintendo Switch

2022/02/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Nintendo Switch

Players will soon be able to take the mayhem, gore and carnage of Rebellion’s Zombie Army 4: Dead War on the move as the critically-acclaimed shooter will be released on the Nintendo Switch on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. The Nintendo Switch version of Zombie Army 4 will feature the same bone-chilling, nerve-shredding action as the award-winning original, including co-operative play for up to four players, and as an added bonus it will also include all of the additional content from Season Pass One and every post-release Horde Map on the game card. Announced as part of Nintendo’s BRIGHT event, you can view the breath-taking new trailer for Zombie Army 4 on Nintendo Switch here:

Developed by Rebellion North, the Nintendo Switch version of Zombie Army 4 follows the success of recent Nintendo Switch conversions of Rebellion owned-IP from the same team including Sniper Elite 4 and Strange Brigade.

Zombie Army 4 takes you to 1940s Europe where you have to do battle with hordes of abominable occult enemies using epic weapons in a harrowing campaign as you fight to save humankind from undead Armageddon. The resistance has defeated Zombie Hitler and cast him into Hell – but the dead rise once again with greater hunger than before.

Continue the alternate history of Zombie Army Trilogy in huge new levels, and uncover a sinister plan that takes the Survivor Brigade across Italy and beyond. Experience genre-defining ballistics, build the slayer that suits you and harness the power of fire, lightning and divine essence as you upgrade your guns to fight back against the dead. When the horde surrounds you, tear them apart with enhanced melee combat and flesh-rending takedown moves.

The Nintendo Switch version will also include all of the Season Pass One content – giving players three additional levels, four character packs, nine weapon bundles, five weapon skin packs and four character outfit bundles. This pack will also be made free to players on all other platforms from Feb. 10.

Zombie Army 4: Dead War features:

  • A harrowing story campaign teeming with ghastly terrors and demonic monstrosities. Hunt the dead on your own, or fight alongside your friends in drop-in, drop-out co-op for up to four players.
  • Huge maps across Southern Europe and beyond. Creep across corpse-riddled Venetian canals. Negotiate a grotesque zombie zoo where all hell has broken loose. Survive a towering volcano overflowing with molten despair.
  • Deep progression and customization. Rank up through 100 levels and unlock dozens of powerful skills, special attacks, weapon upgrades and more. Supercharge your arsenal with incredible elemental damage. Stun hordes into shock with electrified bullets. Harness the might of divine devastation.
  • Gorge on Rebellion’s trademark X-ray Kill Cam – now enhanced for the undead and including gruesome trap, melee and explosive kills.
  • Bigger, Deadlier Horde Mode. The longer you survive, the bigger the map gets. How long can you fight back before joining the horde of the living dead? Nintendo Switch version includes every post-release Horde map on the game card.

Zombie Army 4 will release on Nintendo Switch on April 26 for $49.99. Zombie Army 4: Dead War is also available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Epic Games Store, Steam, the Microsoft Store and Google Stadia. It’s playable on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S with upgraded new-gen features.

To keep up to date with all the latest news from the undead, please visit ZombieArmy.com and follow the game on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.