Author - Jerry Paxton

2021 Holiday Gift Guide Series Looks at Microphones

With the rise of creators both pro and amateur, microphones have become a huge market. Virtually all creative folk need some way to get sound into their content. So, we decided to take a look at some options out there for a variety of creative types. Here are our choices for microphone gift options this holiday season:

USB Microphones

ROCCAT Torch ($99.99)

Easily my top microphone pick for this year and perfect for the creator in your life is the ROCCAT Torch. Not only does the microphone feature dual condenser capsules with 24-bit audio and 48kHz sampling, but its price point is an absolute steal. It also comes with its own base, control station, and internal pop filter. It can also be removed from the base and attached to an extendable arm if you so choose. Finally, it has some fun RGB lighting elements and a touch-less mute gesture option.

ROCCAT Product Page

Razer Seiren V2 Pro ($149.99)

Razer’s Seiren V2 Pro is a dynamic capsule microphone which features on-board high pass filter and analog gain adjuster as well as a base station. It’s price point is a little higher than the ROCCAT Torch’s, but it opts for a more professional-looking style and built quality. If you prefer a dynamic microphone over a capsule design, you will like the Razer Seiren V2 Pro.

Razer Product Page

AVerMedia USB Multipurpose Microphone AM310 ($59.99)

Retailing for about $60 dollars, the AVerMedia AM310 USB condenser microphone which couples good quality with very low cost. This is an easy to use, plug-and-play microphone for any streamer or podcaster out there and includes a small desk stand to help you get recording or broadcasting quickly. It even includes an on-board microphone monitor output port so you can hear your own levels.

AverMedia Product Page

XLR Microphones

Beyerdynamic M 90 PRO X ($349.00)

The Beyerdynamic M 90 PRO X condenser microphone is of the utmost quality and perfect for just about any usage. Its price point reflects this quality but, if you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed by its rich and warm, detailed sound profile as well as its top-notch build quality. Of course, as this microphone uses an XLR input, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper audio interface to utilize it.

Beyerdynamic Product Page

SnowRunner Season 6 Hits the Snow on December 7th

SnowRunner, the ultimate off-road simulation by Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment, has announced that Season 6: Haul & Hustle will launch on December 7 for Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC (and December 8 on PlayStation®4 in North America). Season 6’s premium content drop expands the game’s horizons to Maine, USA, with two new maps, two vehicles, and more cosmetics. This season will also bring a free update with two of the most requested features from the community: crossplay and photo mode.

Available as part of SnowRunner’s Year 2 Pass, Season 6’s premium content plunges players through the chilly forests of Maine in an effort to establish a forestry base while lacking even basic garage functions like refueling and repairs, at least to begin with. Across two huge sandbox maps, you’ll battle mud and snow with the aid of two new vehicles: the 8×8 Aramastu Forwarder forestry specialist, and the solid-strong Tayga 6455B, an off-road 6-wheeler.

Season 6 will also deliver big updates, free for all players, introducing crossplay between PC and PlayStation®4 (with Xbox One joining soon after), as well as the eagerly anticipated photo mode on all platforms! You’ll be able to use the free cam and a ton of effects to take stunning stills of SnowRunner’s vibrant wilds. A number of new add-ons and vehicle cosmetics will also be free for all.

For more information, visit our official store page.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning Fatesworn Expansion Releases On December 14th

Almost 10 years ago, a legendary RPG was born: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. This year on December 14th, the journey of the Fateless One continues. After the Crystal War has been fought and Gadlow has been defeated, the people of Amalur were hoping for peace to return to their lands. And although peace has indeed come to Amalur, rumors of a new threat are starting to spread, rising in the far west, the icy lands of Mithros. None other than Telogrus, the God of Chaos himself has awoken and is gathering followers to throw the whole world into chaos!

The upcoming expansion Fatesworn offers a brand new storyline, a new environment, various new quests and missions, new Chaos Realm dungeons all over Amalur, a new gameplay mechanic, new weapons and armor, new enemies, and much more. It will raise the level cap to 50, and even features a new soundtrack by famous composer Grant Kirkhope. Fatesworn requires the base game Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning Fatesworn will release December 14th, 2021 for PC, Xbox One™, and PlayStation®4 at an SRP of $ 19.99 / € 19.99 / £ 17.99 on all platforms. The Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning Fate Edition includes both, the base game and the upcoming Fatesworn Expansion and is available at an SRP of $ 54.99 | € 54.99 | £ 44.99.

Cricket 22 is Out Now with Official Launch Trailer

Big Ant Studios and Nacon, in collaboration with the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia, are thrilled to announce that the long-awaited Cricket 22: The Official Game of The Ashes is available now, on PC, PlayStation 5 and 4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.

Cricket 22 builds on Big Ant Studios’ celebrated cricket simulations over the past decade, while adding a next generation level of polish to the experience. With 4K resolution graphics for the first time, an advanced new visual engine, a narrative-driven career mode, and the broadest suite of licenses and gameplay modes in a cricket game to date, Cricket 22 gives all fans of cricket the ability to experience their sport in their way.

“We’ve loved building a cricket game for the new generation – the creative opportunities that it has afforded us has really helped elevate Cricket 22 to the next level,” Ross Symons, CEO of Big Ant Studios, said. “From the licenses through to the all-new career mode and commentary team, we’ve worked hard to ensure that this game will surprise and delight veterans and new players alike.”

In addition to playing along with the excitement of this year’s Ashes contest, cricket fans will be able to enjoy Australia’s Big Bash T20 competition, the hugely innovative new competition in England and Wales, The Hundred, the tropical party of the CPL in the Caribbean, and take to the international field of battle with fully-licensed teams from Australia, England, The West Indies, New Zealand and Ireland.

In keeping with Big Ant’s commitment to equality and equal representation, both the Men’s and Women’s games have been fully featured across all of Cricket 22.

“We can’t wait for Cricket 22 to hit shelves around the country as the official game of the highly anticipated Ashes series,” Stephanie Beltrame, Cricket Australia Executive General Manager Broadcasting & Commercial said.

“Big Ant Studios has once again delivered the best cricket simulation out there and we’re excited to see the game help cricket reach new audiences this summer.

“It’s also wonderful to see more competitions and broader representation in Cricket 22, reflecting everything that’s great about our national game which prides itself on being a sport for all.”

Cricket 22 for Nintendo Switch will be available in January 2022. Big Ant Studios is well known for actively supporting its games long beyond release, and players can expect similar support for Cricket 22, with a robust roadmap of activity to be made public in the coming days.

Dying Light 2 Stay Human Dying 2 Know Episode 5 Has 15 Minutes of Gameplay

Today, Techland debuted the fifth episode of Dying 2 Know (D2K), an original web series created to give players greater insight into the world of Dying Light 2 Stay Human. This episode was hosted by voice actor Jonah Scott and streamer Leah, who provided viewers with a brand-new video of previously unseen gameplay, revealing new details about the storyline and the in-game parkour.

The new gameplay video was the focus of this episode and Kornel Jaskuła, Senior Producer for Dying Light 2 Stay Human, guided viewers through a brand-new video like no other we’ve seen before. The video takes place partway through the game’s narrative arc and follows Aiden in his quest to discover more about his missing sister. The new game takes place 22 years after the first game and will feature twice as many parkour moves.

In addition to showing 15 minutes of new gameplay, this episode spotlighted Techland’s celebrations as they commemorate their 30th anniversary! To mark the occasion, Techland has partnered with GOG and with Steam to let gamers play some of their previous games completely free of charge.

Even more gifts and offers are available for players—for more details, visit the special anniversary section on TechlandGG, Techland’s own player reward portal. TechlandGG has received a new update letting players activate special achievements on the website and claim subsequent rewards in Dying Light and even Dying Light 2 Stay Human, getting a head start on exploring The City on release.

Earlier this year, a number of preview events took place across the globe in which influencers and journalists were given a chance to play Dying Light 2 Stay Human. Today’s episode of Dying 2 Know explored these previews, showing footage from one of the events and highlighting the strong positive feedback from participants.

Finally, today’s episode also announced the Dying Light 2 Stay Human UGC contest has extended its deadline to January 10, 2022. Techland encourages players to create their own unique content inspired by the game for a chance to win exciting special prizes. View the guidelines and enter online at dyinglightgame.com/contest.

Watch the latest episode of Dying 2 Know here and look forward to discovering even more as we count down the final 8 weeks until its release on February 4, 2022!

Dying Light 2 Stay Human, published by Techland, launches on February 4th 2022 on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders are available via dyinglightgame.com/preorder. All pre-orders will come with an exclusive digital Reload Pack, featuring a unique outfit, weapon, and paraglider skin.

World of Tanks Holiday Ops Features Arnold Schwarzenegger

World of Tanks has just dropped a trailer for its eagerly anticipated festive event, Holiday Ops 2022, and it features a true action hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger! For years, the forums and social media have been abuzz of tankers calling for Arnie to come to World of Tanks and while the team are keeping their cards close to their chest, it might just be the community’s dreams are coming true.

The trailer tells the story of Little Johnny and his letter, which had been left undelivered for almost 30 years. Even though it’s been three decades since it was sent, Arnold receives the message and knows exactly what he needs to do: get to his choppa and go visit Little Johnny. What happens when he arrives? Watch the trailer to find out!

“Working together with the team at Wargaming on this special event has been a great experience and I know it’s something that will get the players excited,” states Arnold. “I have a long history with tanks as I own the M-47 Patton that I drove in the Austrian Army when I was 18, so I know the thrill of commanding these steel beasts! After years of my friends on reddit asking me about World of Tanks, I’m happy we can finally give the fans the partnership they want. Holiday Ops is coming, so put the holiday cookie down and get ready to come with me if you want to spread the festive cheer this year!”

Holiday Ops is a fan-favorite event which occurs through the festive season and the New Year as players are tasked with adorning a special in-game village with a vast collection of decorations and other items of various styles. As tankers add elements to this village, the festive atmosphere will increase and for each new level they reach, they will be rewarded with great in-game goodies.

Keep an eye out for more information about Holiday Ops 2022 in World of Tanks coming soon.

Universal Studios Brings Back New Year’s EVE Event

Celebrate the new year and ring in 2022 at Universal Studios Hollywood’s festive EVE event, the biggest party in Hollywood, on Friday, December 31 with extended hours until 2:00 a.m.

EVE is included in the price of theme park admission and is a special park-wide celebration that invites guests to spend the day and party by night while enjoying its popular and award-winning rides and attractions.

What a way to celebrate as guests and partygoers can rejoice in new year festivities with a cast of leading characters, including Max, Snowball, Gidget, Chloe and Duke from Illumination’s all-new, award-winning “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” ride or mark the occasion with prehistoric dinosaurs at “Jurassic World—The Ride,” featuring the stunningly realistic Indominus rex.

EVE is also the ideal location to bid farewell to 2021 as the world ushers in 2022 and new beginnings. Starting at 9:00 p.m., the theme park transitions into party central as multiple entertainment hubs will energize guests with live music and DJs, playing everything from pop, rock and hip-hop to EDM to Latin music. Plus, iconic photo ops around the park will allow guests to capture and share their memories of the special night. The event culminates with a traditional New Year’s Eve countdown and dazzling fireworks display.

A selection of food and beverages, including desserts, champagne, beer, wine and cocktails, as well as 2022 memorabilia will be available for purchase.

While ringing in the New Year, guests can enjoy the return of yuletide favorite, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” featuring “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts TM Castle” which brings the iconic Hogwarts castle to life through an impressive light projection show. Family traditions continue with “Grinchmas” as guests can share the joyful season with The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and the Who-ville Whos.

Holiday entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood runs daily now through Sunday, January 9, 2022.

  • To purchase tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood, which includes Holidays and EVE access, guests can click here.
  • Pass Members benefit from special offers for the event. To learn more and to purchase tickets, Pass Members can click here.

House Flipper Goes to the Farm with New DLC

This time, the House Flipper family will be joined by various farm animals — from cows and chickens to horses and piggies. Farm Flipper will give players the unique opportunity to buy and eventually fully customize their farm. Moreover, there will be a variety of different farm-flipping tasks that players will be able to complete. Toss a coin to your farmer, baby!

Add the DLC to your wishlist on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1832960/House_Flipper__Farm_DLC/).

ABOUT HOUSE FLIPPER: FARM DLC

A farmer’s life consists of many challenging tasks, especially when they also have to get things flipping. Get ready for a farm makeover and prepare some proper living conditions for your animals! Feed and water them, and they’ll become great companions on your farming journey! Build extensions for your houses so you never run out of indoor space! Create your own plantations and watch your crops grow from horseback! A unique environment, new orders, a bunch of farm-themed items, your very own livestock, and more! All available soon in House Flipper: Farm DLC!

Powerwash Simulator Online Co-Op Update Allows You to Wash Friends

Today, boutique studio FuturLab released their latest update for Steam Early Access title POWERWASH SIMULATOR with Square Enix Collective. Published by Square Enix Ltd, the newest update features Online Co-Op, new Career Jobs, new Challenges and the highly anticipated Professional Duty Washer!

In the newest update, PowerWash and chill in Online Co-Op! Lend a helping hand to your closest pal in Career Mode or up to 6 friends can splash around in Free Play, tackling any job the host has already completed. We also have brand new Career Mode jobs; freshen up the feline features of the Mayor’s Monster Truck, then clean and ride on the Ferris Wheel down at the Fairground.

“Online Co-Op is a big step toward the vision we have for this game, and is one of our most requested community features, so we can’t wait to see the reaction,” commented James Marsden, FuturLab Founder and Creative Director. “Co-op brings people together, allowing players to enjoy the game with their friends, in a relaxing non-competitive environment.”

That’s not all for this update! We have more cool cosmetics to make the game your own, including gloves, washer skins and new character skins.

On top of all that, the most powerful power washer class ever has arrived! The Professional Duty Washer will make light work of previous dirt tiers, but watch out for new, oily dirt types mucking up the town. For a complete list of what’s new, check out our patch notes on Steam.

POWERWASH SIMULATOR lets players wash away their worries with the soothing sounds of high-pressure water. Players can build their very own power washing business and blast away every speck of dirt and grime they can find. With a unique take on the simulation genre, POWERWASH SIMULATOR focuses on player relaxation and escapism.

POWERWASH SIMULATOR is currently available on Steam Early Access here: http://bit.ly/PWSOutNowSteam

City Building Goes VR in Fast Travel Games Cities: VR

Fast Travel Games has today announced Cities: VR, the ultimate city-building and management simulator, is coming to Meta Quest 2 in the Spring of 2022. Made for VR, Cities: VR brings the definitive city-building experience of Cities: Skylines into virtual reality for the very first time.

Experience your architectural and urban-planning creations in the most immersive VR city building simulation to date. Step through the screen and control every aspect of city planning – design neighborhoods, construct buildings, direct the flow of traffic – all while you handle economics, emergency services, and more. As the mayor of your city, you’ll also need to provide healthcare, education, entertainment, and more to your growing population. Watch the city of your dreams rise from the ground up.

“Cities: Skylines is the ultimate modern city-builder, and it’s an honor to bring this franchise to VR,” said Erik Odeldahl, Creative Director at Fast Travel Games. “The city-building genre has huge potential in the VR market and we couldn’t wait to work on this IP. We’ve spent a ton of time, research, and energy to translate Cities: Skylines to VR in a way that is both approachable for new players and a new challenge for Cities veterans. We can’t wait to see what players build!”

Cities: VR Key Features:

  • Build and Manage Your Ideal City – Get hands on with an immersive and comprehensive city-building simulation like no other. Control every aspect of urban planning – from the downtown center roadways to utility line placement in suburban districts – and build your ultimate city.
  • An Immersive & Scenic Simulator – Experience your creations in the most immersive VR city building simulation to date. Raise the city of your dreams from the ground up through an unparalleled level of presence, immersion and hands-on gameplay. See your skyline rise from an expansive bird’s eye view, or become a part of your creation to watch your city come alive from the streets.
  • The Definitive City-Building VR Game – Cities: VR takes the core gameplay experience of leading city-building simulation Cities: Skylines and brings it to life like never before.
  • Easy to Pick Up – A detailed, easy-to-follow tutorial will take players through the basics of city building in VR. Precise and tactile feedback and a palette of tools at your fingertips makes for an easy-to-use control system.

Cities: VR is a new take on the leading city-building simulation, Cities: Skylines, and is both a great entry-point to the franchise and a compelling new experience for Cities: Skylines veterans. This experience keeps the core gameplay elements of the franchise intact, while offering a unique approach to the simulation through VR. The game is being solely developed and published by Fast Travel Games, who has licensed the IP from Paradox Interactive.