Author - Jerry Paxton

Halloween Horror Nights Tickets ON Sale Now and New Maze Reveals

2021/07/22

“Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood is back with a vengeance as tickets are now on sale with menacing fan favorite mazes, “The Exorcist” and “The Curse of Pandora’s Box,” joining an unnerving line-up at Southern California’s intensely immersive Halloween event.

Guests can click here to purchase tickets, and due to popular demand, the event is expected to sell out. Event dates are: September 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30 and October 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31.

This year, guests will be possessed by “The Exorcist” maze, often revered as the most terrifying movie of all-time, as they live the tormented aberrations experienced by Regan and her determined mother.

Horror also re-emerges in ultraviolet with the addition of the original concept maze, “The Curse of Pandora’s Box.” Inspired by the most fearsome creatures in Greek mythology, this disturbing experience transports guests from the land of the living to the nightmarish netherworld of Hades where the demonic temptress Pandora serves as their guide.

Designed to taunt, terrorize and torment guests as they navigate the darkness from one frightening maze to another, “Halloween Horror Nights” also features the previously announced line-up with more mazes and experiences to be announced soon:

“The Haunting of Hill House,” based on Netflix’s critically-acclaimed supernatural thriller.
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” a chilling maze featuring a demented Leatherface and his unrelenting chainsaw.
“Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives,” inspired by Universal Pictures’ cinematic monsters with an all-original story about one of the studio’s most infamous creatures.

Tickets are available at Hollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com. All tickets purchased online provide guests early admission with entry beginning at 6:00 p.m. each night of “Halloween Horror Nights.”

The following are the various “Halloween Horror Nights” tickets options available for purchase:

General Admission: single night ticket to the seasonal event
Universal Express™: admission to “Halloween Horror Nights” and one-time express access to each maze, ride and attraction
Universal Express™ Unlimited: admission to “Halloween Horror Nights” and unlimited express access to each maze, ride and attraction
Day to Night Ticket: after 2pm access to all daytime attractions plus Halloween Horror Nights
Day to Night Ticket + Universal Express™: after 2pm one-time express access to all daytime attractions plus Halloween Horror Nights

Click here for more information about each ticket type and for Terms and Conditions. Additional tickets will be available soon, including the premium R.I.P. Tour, Frequent Fear and Ultimate Fear passes.

“Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties.

The event also comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort which celebrates 30 years of fear this year.

For exciting updates and exclusive “Halloween Horror Nights” content, visit Hollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com, like Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood on Facebook; follow @HorrorNights #UniversalHHN on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat; and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.

Six Flags Great Adventure August 2021 Calendar of Events

2021/07/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

Six Flags Great Adventure has unveiled its August 2021 calendar of events – including Fright Fest news and a whole lot more. Also mentioned is a special hiring bonus for new employees! So, job hunters, take note!

August Hiring Features New Bonus for Employees

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the world’s largest regional theme park company and largest operator of waterparks in North America, is ramping up efforts to reward its team members by offering another cash bonus package. Seasonal team members who work through October 31, 2021, can earn up to an additional $500-$1,000 or more with a 10% bonus for wages earned from July through September and a 15% bonus for wages earned in October.

To receive the bonus, employees must be hired by October 11, 2021, and continuously employed through October 31, 2021, without prior notice of an intention to resign. Offer applies only to U.S., non-union, seasonal positions. Bonus shall be paid on total straight-time and overtime wages earned during the applicable bonus period. Further details are contained in the Six Flags Seasonal Retention Bonus program document. To apply for positions, visit www.sixflags.com/jobs for immediate openings.

Fright Fest Preview – Big Top Terror: Forgotten Carnival 3-D – July 31 to Sept. 8

To preview the Halloween season, Six Flags Great Adventure will open one of its most sought-after, indoor scare mazes July 31. At Big Top Terror: Forgotten Carnival 3-D, guests will stumble upon a forgotten carnival of rotten and collapsing tents and vicious monstrosities trapped in the netherworld. For a small additional fee, guests can experience a taste of the thrilling return of Fright Fest in the Boardwalk section. For more information, head to www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Fright Fest Scare Actor/Zombie Auditions – August 6, 20 & 28

Six Flags’ iconic Fright Fest returns in 2021, and the Entertainment Team is searching for individuals with a love for Halloween. In-person scare actor/zombie auditions will take place August 6 and 20 at 6 pm, and August 28 at 2 pm in Six Flags Great Adventure’s Employment Center. Group auditions are perfect for those with no previous experience in scaring, and include fun exercise before the casting team. Applicants are encouraged to showcase their quirky, strange, funny, and creepy qualities. All participants must be at least 16 years old. Applicants will enter through the employee entrance at 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ.

Candidates should apply online before attending an audition at www.sixflagsjobs.com or text SCARE to 220MONSTER after 7/26. Fright Fest runs September 10 through October 31 on weekends and select days. Seasonal team members who work through October 31, 2021, can earn up to an additional $500-$1,000 or more with a 10% bonus for wages earned from July through September and a 15% bonus for wages earned in October.

Six Flags Slam Fest – August 15

Northeast Wrestling presents Six Flags Slam Fest August 15 at 7 pm in the Movietown Arena. The Main Event is free with theme park admission. Various wrestling superstar favorites will attend the event, including AEW TNT Champion Darby Allin, WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart, Tay Conti, Sgt. Slaughter, Matt Hardy and many more. Guests can upgrade their action-packed day with ring-side seats, photo opportunities and autographs for a fee. For more information and upgrades, visit www.sixflags.com/events

National Roller Coaster Day – August 16 – Six Flags Great Adventure will celebrate National Roller Coaster Day with a social media campaign highlighting all 13 of the park’s thrilling roller coasters. Guests who head to the park August 16 can find the social media team between 12 pm and 5 pm for a chance to share stories about their favorite Six Flags Great Adventure roller coasters. To join in the celebration, follow the park on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to join in the fun, and celebrate the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park all day long.

Xpedition Dino – August 1 to 31

Daily in August, guests will have the option to drive their own vehicles or walk through this Jurassic adventure, which features 30 life-size dinosaurs with realistic movement and sound. By day, Xpedition Dino will be an add-on experience to the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure with a custom audio tour available for streaming. After the safari closes each evening, Xpedition Dino will become a thrilling and educational walking, add-on tour to the theme park with memorable photo opportunities. Xpedition Dino will feature such iconic dinosaurs as the tyrannosaurus (T. Rex), triceratops, utahraptor, and brachiosaurus. Xpedition Dino requires a small upcharge to Memberships, Season Passes and daily tickets. Tickets and reservations should be made in advance at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Brings Back Reservations

To improve guest service and address demand, reservations to visit Hurricane Harbor will be required for all Members and Season Pass Holders. Members and Pass Holders who arrive without a reservation will have the opportunity to make a reservation on the spot if space permits – but if the park is “sold out” for the day, no additional guests will be admitted. Additionally, Hurricane Harbor will be reserved for Six Flags’ most loyal guests. Only active Members and Season Pass holders will have access. Six Flags will no longer sell day tickets to the waterpark. Reservations can be made at www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharbornj/reserve.

General Park Information

For more information, guests can call 732/928-2000 or visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Critical Role Unveils Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn

2021/07/22

Jerry Paxton

Book News, Geek News, News

The Critical Role setting opens the door for new players and tales with an updated sourcebook, Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, available in late 2021 / early 2022. This definitive compendium from Critical Role and Darrington Press beautifully presents the locations, people, creatures, and character options of Critical Role’s continent of Tal’Dorei, ready to use at anyone’s table. It is a significant expansion and update to the popular and out-of-print original Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting, with the addition of freshly crafted creatures, subclasses, magic items, and more designed for the 5th edition ruleset.

Tal’Dorei, a continent within Exandria (the world created by Game Master Matthew Mercer and the cast of Critical Role), was first explored through the adventures of Critical Role’s first campaign, Vox Machina, and is brimming with epic stories of heroes and adventurers — and eagerly awaiting adventures of your own. Taking place two decades following Vox Machina’s conclusion, this sourcebook outlines how Tal’Dorei has changed and progressed leading up to the start of Critical Role’s second campaign, The Mighty Nein. Soar on a skyship from the metropolis of Emon, home to the Tal’Dorei Council, to the distant haven of Whitestone; explore the lush wilderness in between, meeting monsters and wayward mages; and uncover magic items ranging from simple trinkets to the legendary Vestiges of Divergence. How will you shape the future of Tal’Dorei? The land’s fate is in your hands.

Created by lead designers Matthew Mercer (Critical Role Game Master and Chief Creative Officer), Hannah Rose (Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount, The Wild Beyond the Witchlight, Mythic Odysseys of Theros), and James J. Haeck (Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount, Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus), this art-filled tome contains everything needed to unlock the rich environment of Tal’Dorei and make it your own. Among its 280 pages, you’ll find:

A guide to each major region of Tal’Dorei, with story hooks to fuel your campaign
Expanded character options, including 9 subclasses and 5 backgrounds
Magic items such as the Vestiges of Divergence, which are legendary artifacts that grow in power with their wielders
Dozens of creatures, many featured in Critical Role’s livestreamed campaigns
New lore and updated stat blocks for each member of Vox Machina

Set to release in late 2021 / early 2022, Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn will first be made available at Darrington Press Guild stores (list here) and Critical Role shops (US, UK, CA, and AU), followed soon after at other local hobby and gaming stores. The sourcebook will also receive a deluxe treatment from the team at Beadle & Grimm’s, featuring in-world player handouts, battle maps, a Game Master screen, and more.

For more information and to subscribe for updates, please visit darringtonpress.com.

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector Launch Trailer

2021/07/22

Jerry Paxton

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

Slitherine (Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War, Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach and Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon) and Black Lab Games (Battlestar Galactica Deadlock and Starhammer) are proud to announce the release of the newest turn-based strategy game set in the world-renowned sci-fi setting imagined by Games Workshop: Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector.

The game revolves around army sized turn-based strategical battles on grid-based maps. The factions available are the Blood Angels Space Marine chapter (that the player commands in the single player story campaign) and the Tyranids xenos race (the antagonist in the story campaign, they are playable in Skirmish and Multiplayer). The gameplay is modular and there are already plans to expand the existing roster in the near future.

The game releases today on PC on the major online stores, the console version (Xbox One and PlayStation 4) will follow soon.

World of Warships: Legends Summer Festival Announced

2021/07/22

Jerry Paxton

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

A Summer Festival to celebrate the second anniversary of World of Warships: Legends kicks off July 26, 2021, with a new campaign, and an Arpeggio of Blue Steel–Ars Nova–collaboration. A retrospective Bureau project unites the variety of activities and brings free in-game goods for the players as a gift. Plus, Arms Race and Tier VII ships are coming to Ranked mode as USN alternate battleships headlined by the USS Kansas leave early access to become researchable.

One of the main attractions of the Summer Festival is a fresh new campaign called “Shock and Awe” which is focused on the German destroyer ZF-6. One hundred milestones within 5 weeks provide the path to a flurry of rewards with the ship herself as the cherry on top, obtainable with Admiralty Backing. Coming with an almost cruiser-like impressive AA suite, including a consumable, ZF-6 features torpedoes faster than those of her peers but with a drawback of slightly decreased range.

Arpeggio of Blue Steel–Ars Nova–goods arrive in the store with a selection of items to choose from as a surprise appearance at the Summer Anniversary Festival. This collaboration brings two new Kongō-based battleships: Haruna and Kirishima, five diverse commanders, and more, available through special crates.

Another Festival activity, the Birthday Bureau project, goes back to the significant landmarks of Year II, including events such as Halloween, New Years, Black Friday, and the introduction of Italian ships, among others. Players will be awarded corresponding festive crates at each project stage.

Heading to the high seas with their guns bristling are USN Battleships Nevada, Tennessee, and North Carolina, leaving early access to become researchable in the tech tree on the way to Tier VII Kansas. Just in time to wreak havoc on the opponents, Arms Race mechanic is coming to Ranked after being battle-tested by the latest Arena season to make the celebrations even more fun. At the same time, Tier VII ships reinforce the Ranked battles line-up for the first time ever. Additionally, historical camouflages for a handful of signature ships (such as Bismarck, Charles Martel, and Lexington) become available for paint.

More good things destroyer players can look forward to this summer – Regia Marina gets two dedicated destroyer commanders: Luigi Rizzo and Giuseppe Fulgosi. The former is all about speed, including the base trait that improves Engine Boost. The latter is a sneaky one: improving Smoke Generator consumable is his signature move. Capping off the Italian part of the summer is all-new Paolo Emilio, a destroyer obtainable for global XP.

The second-anniversary celebrations are upon us, so grab your free ticket to the Summer Festival in the in-game store and turn the tide.

Creation Entertainment Unveils 55 Year Tour Edition of Their Annual Star Trek Convention

2021/07/21

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Star Trek fans from around the world will set their coordinates for Las Vegas on August 11 – 15 at the Rio Suites Hotel for the galaxy’s largest annual Convention. This gathering marks the 55th Anniversary of Star Trek, and over 15,000 are expected to be in attendance. This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of show producer Creation Entertainment, innovators of the in-person fan experience.

This five-day event will feature numerous highlights including:

A tribute is planned for superstar William Shatner (legendary Captain Kirk) for his milestone 90th birthday. Featured will be a video tribute to his amazing career, narrated by the man himself, as he shares some of his favorite memories! Creation will also be sharing his convention highlights throughout the years.
Top Starfleet-worthy celebrities set to appear include headliners: classic Star Trek’s George Takei (Sulu, Thursday and Sunday), Nichelle Nichols (Uhura, Saturday), and Walter Koenig (Chekov, Friday only); Sonequa Martin-Green (Michael Burnham from Star Trek: Discovery, Sunday only); Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Voyager, Sunday only); and in his first Trek appearance, six-time Emmy Award-winner Kelsey Grammer (Captain Morgan Bateson from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Saturday only).
Gene Roddenberry’s 100th birthday will be given a special tribute as we celebrate and honor the life and career of the legendary creator of Star Trek.
Several unique science panels by leading industry expert Dr. Mohamed Noor, Dean of Natural Sciences at Duke University and science consultant for Star Trek, will focus on how real-life science equates with the Star Trek universe. Dr. David Williams, renowned planetary geologist with Arizona State University and consultant of many NASA planetary missions, will discuss the exploration of our solar system and its many diverse planets, moons and asteroids and as well as the past and future exploration of Saturn’s largest moon.
The late Leonard Nimoy, who would have turned 90 this year, will be honored with a special fine art photography exhibit as well as video footage of his convention appearance highlights.

In addition to celebrities, the non-stop theatrical show will include behind-the-scenes presentations, costume and trivia contests, no-minimum bid auctions of unique collectibles and one-of-a-kind items, and special fan-made music videos. The exhibit hall will boast major companies and distributors selling and displaying sci-fi collectibles from across the universe.

Along with nighttime themed parties, the Saturday Night Gala Celebration will return with the Nevada Pops Orchestra. This special night features Maestro Richard McGee and a 45-piece orchestra who will honor Gene Roddenberry’s 100th birthday and his legacy and impact. Special quest conductors will be Dennis McCarthy (Grammy Award-winning composer) and Jeff Russo (Emmy Award-winning composer know for his score of “Star Trek: Discovery”). Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery) and Isa Briones (Star Trek: Picard) will perform with the orchestra. The concert will take place Saturday, August 14 at 9:30 p.m. (a separate ticket of $75 is required for general admission).

Want to get married in Las Vegas style? Now you can say “I do” on the Original Series Bridge or The Next Generation’s 10 Forward replicas. Wedding packages start at $1500 (include ceremony and photo session at location) and can accommodate up to 50 guests.

For cosplayers, Saturday is the day! The Costume Competition with celebrity judges, special on-stage costume panels, the annual Costume Parade throughout the convention, and a number of cosplayer meet ups are all scheduled. Garak’s Tailor and Repair will be returning to handle any emergency costume repairs for free throughout the weekend.

General admission tickets are available in advance (www.creationent.com) or at the door and start at $65 for a single day. Show hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (times are tentative).

For further information, call Creation Entertainment, 818/409-0960, or visit our website at www.creationent.com.

Become a part of the community, and follow the convention online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreationEntertainment
Instagram: @Creationent
Twitter: @CreationEnt

The Witcher: Monster Slayer Launch Trailer

2021/07/21

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Mobile News, News, Trailers / Videos

Available now for free on iOS and Android, The Witcher: Monster Slayer is a brand new game set in The Witcher universe. Developed and published by Spokko, the game challenges players to take on the role of a freshly trained witcher adept and step out into a dark fantasy realm using only their mobile phone. Using advanced AR features, as well as their location and the time of day, players will be able to hunt down over 100 witcher-world monsters both old and new.

By logging in to the game no later than July 28th, 11:59 PM CEST, Android and iOS users will find the Kaer Morhen Steel Sword in their inventory. This weapon increases the number of Experience Points gained from killing monsters by 10%, and will surely aid new witchers beginning their journey on the Path.

https://thewitcher.com/us/en/monster-slayer

The Witcher: Monster Slayer is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information, please visit the official website and follow the game on Facebook and Twitter.

Vacation Friends Official Trailer

2021/07/21

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

The trailer and poster are available now for 20th Century Studios’ “Vacation Friends,” debuting August 27 streaming globally as a Hulu Original in the U.S. and a Star Original on Star on Disney+ in select international markets. The film stars John Cena (“F9,” “The Suicide Squad”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out,” “Judas and the Black Messiah”), Yvonne Orji (“Insecure,” “Night School”), Meredith Hagner (“Search Party,” “Palm Springs”), Robert Wisdom (“The Alienist,” “Ballers”), Andrew Bachelor (“The Babysitter,” “Holidate”) and Lynn Whitfield (“Greenleaf,” “Madea’s Family Reunion”). “Vacation Friends” is 20th Century Studios’ first film to have a global release on the Hulu and Disney+ streaming platforms.

In this raw and raunchy comedy, straight-laced Marcus and Emily (Howery, Orji) are befriended by wild, thrill-seeking partiers Ron and Kyla (Cena, Hagner) at a resort in Mexico. Living in the moment, the usually level-headed couple lets loose to enjoy a week of uninhibited fun and debauchery with their new “vacation friends.” Months after their walk on the wild side, Marcus and Emily are horrified when Ron and Kyla show up uninvited at their wedding, creating chaos and proving that what happens on vacation, doesn’t necessarily stay on vacation.

Directed by Clay Tarver (“Silicon Valley”), “Vacation Friends” was written by Tom Mullen & Tim Mullen and Clay Tarver and Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley. The producers are Todd Garner (“Tag,” “Playing with Fire”) and Timothy M. Bourne (“Love, Simon,” “The Hate U Give”), with Steve Pink and Sean Robins serving as executive producers.

The film will also be available in Latin America as part of the new Star+ direct-to-consumer service launching on August 31st in the region.

Escape from Naraka NVIDIA GeForce RTX Reveal Trailer

2021/07/21

Jerry Paxton

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

Escape from Naraka is a unique first-person action-platformer with exotic Balinese themes, inspired by local mythologies and legends. Published via Headup, the small Indonesia-based development team, Xelo Games, will launch their game next Thursday, on July 29th.

Powered by Unreal Engine 4, players will encounter a beautifully created first-person action-platformer set in a gigantic Balinese temple including real statues, and inspired by real mythology, and creatures straight from legend.

If you’re going to play Escape from Naraka on a Nvidia GeForce RTX PC, you can enhance your experience with ray-traced reflections, ray-traced shadows, RTX Global Illumination and performance-accelerating NVIDIA DLSS! Check out these effects in action in this new RTX video:

“It’s a great honor to work with Nvidia. Like a dream coming true!”, adds Irfan Sarwono, Game Director of Xelo Games. “Since it’s a mix of runner and platformer including Steam Leaderboards, and it is up to the player to achieve the best possible time, the extra FPS won’t hurt. DLSS? Check! Ray-Tracing? Check!”

Wishlist now if you are a fan of games like SEUM: Speedrunners from Hell, Dark Deception, or DOOM! For more information, check out the official Twitter page and feel free to discuss the game with the developers on Discord.

Company of Heroes 3 Battle Briefing Videos

2021/07/21

Jerry Paxton

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

With last week’s announcement of Company of Heroes 3, the pre-alpha preview is currently available to play for free (!) until August 3rd by signing up at companyofheroes.com. The game is still in the early stages of development, and Relic Entertainment are looking for as much feedback as possible to help make this the best game in the Company of Heroes franchise to date. But we also know that if you’re new to strategy games in general or Company of Heroes in particular, there can be a lot of new concepts and mechanics to take on board.

To help with that, Relic Entertainment have created a pair of Battle Briefing videos to bring you up to speed on the basics of Company of Heroes 3 as well as the brand-new Dynamic Campaign Map & optional Full Tactical Pause feature. With both of these in your toolkit, there will be nothing standing in the way of your campaign to retake mainland Italy from the entrenched Axis forces!

The videos can be found on YouTube here: