Author - Jerry Paxton

The Haunting of Hill House Maze Coming to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

For the first time ever, Netflix’s critically-acclaimed series “The Haunting of Hill House” will bring its ominous presence to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in all-new mazes for “Halloween Horror Nights 2021,” which is officially back beginning in September.

Upon its release, Netflix’s “The Haunting of Hill House” became a worldwide phenomenon of unsettling proportions that elevated the horror television genre. Created, directed and executive-produced by horror mastermind Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, Gerald’s Game) and executive produced by Trevor Macy via their Intrepid Pictures, the chilling horror story follows members of the Crain family who are haunted by long-dormant fears stemming from their time living in the menacing Hill House as children and then forced to face the ghosts of its grisly past.

Reincarnated as “Halloween Horror Nights” mazes, the imposing and mysterious Hill House eerily comes to life beckoning guests to embark on the dark journey experienced by the Crain family.

Iconic scenes from the Netflix series will be featured throughout the maze, including the omni-powerful Red Room – the heart of Hill House – and the infamous Hall of Statues, where deceptive powers overtake everyone who enters. Apparitions will appear around every corner, from William Hill – The Tall Man, whose towering stature overwhelms everyone he encounters; to The Ghost in the Basement, who feverishly crawls throughout the bowels of the House in search of his next victim; to The Bent-Neck Lady, whose disturbing scream and ghastly appearance invoke a constant state of unnerving dread.

“The Haunting of Hill House” mazes will test even the bravest guests as they attempt to escape the entanglement of the estate’s eternal stranglehold or succumb to the powerful forces of Hill House – leaving them to wander the endless halls forever…alone.

“I have loved Halloween Horror Nights for so long,” said Mike Flanagan, Creator, Director and Executive Producer of “The Haunting of Hill House.” “Some of my favorite memories of Halloween were made at Universal Studios, screaming and laughing with my friends. It is such an honor to be included among such fantastic Haunts, and I’m so glad that fans will be able to walk the halls of Hill House this Halloween. This is – without a doubt – one of the coolest things that’s ever happened to us at Intrepid. We are so excited to visit the Red Room again – we hope to see you all there!”

“It’s a nightmare come true to bring Netflix’s “The Haunting of Hill House” to life for our guests this year at ‘Halloween Horror Nights,’” said Charles Gray, Senior Show Director for Entertainment Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort. “The show brought true horror to the masses, similar to what we’ve provided our guests at this event for nearly 30 years – Hill House is a perfect fit for “Halloween Horror Nights” as it enters a new decade of fear.”

“Mike Flanagan has elevated the horror genre with his supernatural thriller, ‘The Haunting of Hill House,’” said John Murdy, Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood. “We continuously challenge ourselves to raise the bar with each maze we create, and we look forward to creating a unique experience for our guests that combines both the psychological and visceral twists from the series. The goal is to make our guests feel as if they are walking in the footsteps of the Crain family, re-living all the horrors that they experienced.”

The “Halloween Horror Nights” events begin on Friday, September 3 in Orlando and Thursday, September 9 in Hollywood – and both events run select nights through Sunday, October 31. Select tickets and vacation packages are now on sale for “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Orlando Resort; tickets for the event at Universal Studios Hollywood will be available soon. Due to popular demand, event nights are expected to sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Currently streaming globally on Netflix, “The Haunting of Hill House” is produced for Netflix by Amblin TV and Paramount Television.

Train Sim World 2 Potash Route Launch Trailer

Dovetail Games today announced the Skyhook Games developed ‘Cane Creek: Thompson – Potash Route’ DLC for Train Sim World 2 has left the yard and is live for PC, the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X. The new route, including the AC4400CW and SD40-2 locomotives authentically recreated in the game, is available for purchase for $24.99 / £24.99 / €24.99

A comparative newcomer to American rail, the Cane Creek Branch opened in 1962 and remains in operation by Union Pacific, serving a sprawling potash mining facility in Utah. Players will be handling line-hauling and switching duties before getting behind the controls of the massive six-axle diesel engines. Running 40 miles from Brendel, Utah south to Potash, Utah, the route takes players on a tour through the extraordinary scenery unique to the western deserts of America as they travel the winding “roller coaster” through canyons and vast, open lands.

The new line can be experienced in multiple ways, allowing players to operate the trains, ride as a conductor, complete route tasks, or pick a vantage point to observe the locomotives and scenery from afar. Players can also take advantage of the Livery Designer to create a custom look for their locomotives and use the Scenario Planner feature to create custom scenarios of the Cane Creek route.

For more information on Train Sim World 2, visit www.trainsimworld.com and follow the game on Twitter @trainsimworld, Instagram @trainsim, and Facebook @trainsimworld. Keep up with all the latest simulation news from Dovetail Games at https://live.dovetailgames.com/.

Fallout 76 ‘Steel Reign’ Out Now

Steel Reign, the epic conclusion to the Brotherhood of Steel storyline that launched late last year, is available to download today for all Fallout 76 players.

Picking up on the heels of last year’s Steel Dawn update, you arrive back at Fort Atlas to find the tensions between Paladin Rahmani and Knight Shin have reached a boiling point. After swarms of Super Mutants start to appear and people are reported missing, how will you guide the Brotherhood? Will you take the side of justice or will you remain committed to duty?

The Steel Reign update includes:

  • New Questline – Choose what direction the Brotherhood of Steel will take and solve the mysteries behind the appearance of the Super Mutants
  • New Locations and Gear – Unlock unique gear from the Brotherhood’s arsenal and explore new locations as you uncover what’s been happening in Appalachia
  • Season 5 Scoreboard – A new season full of rewards begins today! K.D. Inkwell is back in Escape from the 42nd Century! Rank up to unlock new rewards including C.A.M.P. items, cosmetics, and more.
  • Legendary Upgrades – Put those Legendary Modules to work and create your own 1, 2, & 3-star legendary items, right from the comfort of your own C.A.M.P.

Steel Reign is available now and free for all Fallout 76 players. For the full list updates, changes, and fixes coming with Steel Reign and Season 5, read the full patch notes at fallout.bethesda.net

Sam & Max: This Time It’s Virtual! Oculus Quest Launch Trailer

Indie game studio HappyGiant and publisher Big Sugar have announced that Sam & Max: This Time It’s Virtual! is available today on Oculus Quest. The action-adventure VR title featuring Steve Purcell’s irrepressible dog with a hat and hyperkinetic rabbity-thing, is the duo’s first game in more than a decade and the pair’s first foray into Virtual Reality. The game can be downloaded July 8th, 2021 starting at 1pm EST on the Oculus store page for $29.99 USD.

Sam & Max: This Time It’s Virtual! Oculus page:
https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/3044409625637497/

Following its release on Oculus, Sam & Max: This Time It’s Virtual! will launch later this year for SteamVR and Viveport Infinity, and then PlayStation VR (PSVR) in early 2022. The game will feature subtitles in multiple languages soon as well.

Even multimedia evil-slappers like Sam & Max could use a hand, and this time they’re using the incomprehensible magic of virtual reality to invite the player into their off-kilter world for a furious day of monster-slaying, obstacle courses, responsibly discharged firearms, and, of course, saving the entire freaking world. Sam & Max: This Time It’s Virtual! mixes puzzles and escape rooms with challenges of skill and classic point-and-click adventure sure to put even the heartiest Freelance Police cadet through their paces.

HappyGiant has ensured the pair is in good hands with an all-star team of Sam & Max veterans including the characters’ creator, Steve Purcell, renowned concept artist Peter Chan, writer and designer Mike Stemmle, and music composer Jared Emerson-Johnson who wrote an original soundtrack for the game. David Nowlin and Dave Boat are returning to voice Sam & Max. In addition, Steve Purcell also performed as a character in the game, a first for the series.

“It was amazing to watch this game coming to life and see Sam & Max take on yet another new medium,” said Steve Purcell, the creator of the series. “Happy Giant found the sweet spot in capturing the spirit of the older games while making something entirely new and weird. It was fun getting to interact with Sam & Max in a virtual world, help out with the initial design and even contribute a little bit of voice work at the end.”

Fear Street Part 2: 1978 Exclusive Clip

Today, Netflix debuted an exclusive clip for Fear Street Part 2: 1978, the second film in Netflix’s FEAR STREET TRILOGY, releasing as an epic summer movie event over three consecutive weeks this month.

About FEAR STREET PART 2: 1978

Shadyside, 1978. School’s out for summer and the activities at Camp Nightwing are about to begin. But when another Shadysider is possessed with the urge to kill, the fun in the sun becomes a gruesome fight for survival.

  • Fear Street Part 1: 1994 – On Netflix Now
  • Fear Street Part 2: 1978 – This Friday, July 9
  • Fear Street Part 3: 1666 – July 16

Directed by: Leigh Janiak
Executive Produced by: Kori Adelson, Timothy M. Bourne, Leigh Janiak, Yvonne M. Bernard, Joan Waricha, Jane Stine
Produced by: Peter Chernin, p.g.a.; Jenno Topping, p.g.a.; David Ready, p.g.a.; Kori Adelson (p.g.a. Producer on 1666 only, EP on 1994 and 1978)
Screenplay by: Phil Graziadei & Leigh Janiak (Part 1: 1994); Zak Olkewicz and Leigh Janiak (Part 2: 1978); Phil Graziadei & Leigh Janiak and Kate Trefry (Part 3: 1666)
Story by: Kyle Killen and Phil Graziadei & Leigh Janiak (Part 1: 1994); Zak Olkewicz and Phil Graziadei & Leigh Janiak (Part 2: 1978)
Music by: Marco Beltrami & Marcus Trumpp (Part 1: 1994); Marco Beltrami & Brandon Roberts (Part 2: 1978); Marco Beltrami & Anna Drubich (Part 3: 1666)
Costume Design by: Amanda Ford
Edited by: Rachel Goodlett Katz, ACE
Production Design by: Scott Kuzio
Photography by: Caleb Heymann
Co-Produced by: Doug Torres, Jeffrey Harlacker
Casting by: Carmen Cuba

FEAR STREET PART 2: 1978 CAST:
SADIE SINK
EMILY RUDD
RYAN SIMPKINS
McCABE SLYE
TED SUTHERLAND
JORDANA SPIRO
GILLIAN JACOBS
KIANA MADEIRA
BENJAMIN FLORES JR.
ASHLEY ZUKERMAN
OLIVIA SCOTT WELCH
CHIARA AURELIA
JORDYN DiNATALE

Powerwash Simulator Gets New Challenge Mode

Today, independent developer FuturLab released their first content update for Steam Early Access title POWERWASH SIMULATOR. Published by Square Enix Ltd, the latest update (0.4) features new ‘Challenge Mode’, additional cleaning jobs, and some all-important community requested quality of life changes. 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 that they can find. With a unique take on the simulation genre, POWERWASH SIMULATOR focuses on player relaxation and escapism.

For players looking for a little more pressure, new ‘Challenge Mode’ invites you to fight grime in different scenarios; by washing against the clock in Time Challenge or testing your accuracy by using as little water as possible in Water Challenge.

“POWERWASH SIMULATOR  can offer something for everyone, which is why we created ‘Challenge Mode’,” commented Lead Designer Dan Chequer. “With the deliberate exclusion of limits and time pressures in Career Mode, the new separate Challenge Mode evolved naturally to offer a light bit of competition for those who want it.”

That’s not all for the 0.4 Update! Get into the zen zone with more fantastically filthy things to clean; forage in the forest and help Hunter Lodge clean his Treehouse, restore a well-travelled RV to its former glory and lend a helping hand to a ‘copter caked in ash!

We’ve also added a whole host of quality-of-life changes to improve gameplay, such as a reworked soap system, support for up to 240FPS and an extra level of crouch to get to those hard-to-reach places. You can read all about our QOL changes in our latest Dev Log.

Finally, you too can have a ‘Hot PowerWash Summer’ and get the game at 15% off in the Steam Summer Sale ending July 8th!

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

A Plague Tale: Innocence Out Now on PS5 and XSX

Asobo Studio and Focus Home Interactive are thrilled to announce that the award-winning A Plague Tale: Innocence is now available on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S! This improved version features enhanced graphics up to 4K UHD and 60 FPS, audio optimizations, and faster loading times, with a free upgrade available for owners on PlayStation®4 and Xbox One. The physical PS5 and Xbox Series X|S editions of A Plague Tale: Innocence will be available in retail stores on Oct. 19, 2021. Follow the tale of young Amicia and her little brother Hugo in a heartrending journey through the darkest hours of history like you’ve never seen it before.

In addition, Nintendo Switch players can now play this critically acclaimed game for the first time! A Plague Tale: Innocence is available today on Switch as a cloud-streaming title, letting you pick it up digitally and play using the system’s cloud-streaming technology.

Stay tuned for news about A Plague Tale: Innocence’s recently announced sequel, A Plague Tale: Requiem, revealed at the E3 2021 Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase and coming to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®5, Nintendo Switch and PC in 2022.

Blair Witch: Oculus Rift Edition Launch Trailer

Bloober Team and global content leader Lionsgate’s (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) thrilling horror experience, Blair Witch: Oculus Rift Edition, is available today on Oculus Rift with upgrades to the redesigned VR experience that launched on Oculus Quest last year. The title is available as of 10am PT / 1pm ET / 7pm CEST on the Oculus Store for $29.99.

Blair Witch: Oculus Rift Edition, based on Lionsgate’s film The Blair Witch, offers enhancements to the Blair Witch story that has been redesigned specifically for the VR experience including better models, improved lighting, further draw distance, a backpack, and improved AI for the trusty dog companion, Bullet.

The VR version of Blair Witch boasts environments that have been redesigned for more interactivity and to accommodate new creature encounters, a new control system and mechanics for your companion dog such as petting and fetching gestures to help immerse players in the story.

Gameplay:

  • Environments have been redesigned for more interactivity
    • Objects to catch, throw, or stack on top of each other
    • A marker to draw on paper and other objects
    • Drawers, doors, gates, and car trunk open at a touch
    • Breaking branches
    • Operation of mechanical elements: handles, buttons, opening locks with a key, padlock codes, etc…
  • New control system
  • New sounds and in-game events to surprise and scare the player.
  • Additional creature encounters

Blair Witch is launching for PSVR later this Summer.

Improved Dog commands for Bullet:

  • Pet Bullet to make sure he knows he’s a good boy
  • Change up his look with a variety of new collars
  • Give Bullet treats. In the VR edition, he’ll take them right from your hand
  • Bullet can help you track scents through the forest, just give him an object to sniff
  • Enjoy the company of your best buddy and shake his paw any time

Gameplay:

  • Environments have been redesigned for more interactivity
    • Objects to catch, throw, or stack on top of each other
    • A marker to draw on paper and other objects
    • Drawers, doors, gates, and car trunk open at a touch
    • Breaking branches
    • Operation of mechanical elements: handles, buttons, opening locks with a key, padlock codes, etc…
  • New control system
  • New sounds and in-game events to surprise and scare the player.
  • Additional creature encounters

Blair Witch is launching for PSVR later this Summer.

RoboCop: Rogue City Announced at NACON Connect 2021

One of the most exciting sci-fi franchises of all time is coming to a gaming screen near you! Game publisher NACON and Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), a leading entertainment company focused on the production of premium film and television content across platforms, announce they have signed an agreement to launch an all-new RoboCop video game based on the first three films in the original RoboCop universe. The highly-anticipated game will feature a new RoboCop story and is being developed by the studio Teyon, who is behind the critically successful Terminator: Resistance. The game is planned to release in 2023 for console and PC platforms.

RoboCop is a classic sci-fi action-adventure and one of Hollywood’s most iconic film franchises of all time. First released in 1987, the franchise continues to resonate with audiences around the world today. Celebrating its 35th anniversary next year, RoboCop has transcended pop culture with a robust consumer products and licensing program and a strong legacy in the gaming space.

NACON and Teyon will work with MGM to develop an authentic RoboCop game experience that is faithful to the franchise’s DNA, while immersing gamers in an original story that enables them to play as none other than RoboCop himself. In the original RoboCop film, when good cop Alex Murphy is fatally wounded by ruthless criminals, innovative doctors are able to piece him back together as an unstoppable crime-fighting cyborg called “RoboCop.”

“We’re delighted to be teaming up with MGM to offer a new vision of a popular franchise that was created over 30 years ago. This game is the perfect fit to pursue our aim of offering different gaming experiences to the widest possible audience,” said Alain Falc, CEO of NACON.

Robert Marick, Executive Vice President Global Consumer Products and Experiences, at MGM, said, “We’re very much looking forward to collaborating with NACON and Teyon to bring one of MGM’s most timeless I.P.’s back to gaming platforms with a brand-new story. The film is known for gripping action and complex storytelling, and we are excited for RoboCop fans to experience this first hand through the game.”

More information about RoboCop: Rogue City will be shared at a later date.

DELUSION Reaper’s Remorse Interactive Horror Theater Announced

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (13FEG) and celebrated horror master Jon Braver announce the return of DELUSION, the overwhelmingly popular Los Angeles interactive attraction.  Returning for the 2021 season, the all-new show ushers’ guests back to its horror roots, with ‘Reaper’s Remorse.’    Inviting you to ‘play your part,’ the 2021 edition of this now-renowned attraction will open September 16, inhabiting the delightfully dilapidated Phillips Mansion in Pomona, CA.   Adding even more excitement to the DELUSION experience in 2021, 13FEG also announces the first-ever ‘Open World’ accompaniment to the attraction that continues the immersive experience.  All tickets entitle guests to wander the ‘Open World’ and explore multiple narrative threads within a whole new adjacent event area, featuring food, drinks and more.  Like that of an eerie scavenger hunt, the experience will help further shape the story and is available before or after the main attraction.  This fantastic new addition continues the already twisted tale for hours of scary fun!    Tickets for the highly anticipated event attraction go on sale to the public July 15th at 11am (PDT), with an exciting special 24-hour exclusive pre-sale ticket opportunity offered on July 14th at 11am (PDT), for fans who register in advance on the event’s website, enterdelusion.com.

Frighteningly fun new DELUSION additions in 2021 also include the debut of “Her Private Collection: VIP Experience,” a special ticket upgrade, allowing guests to continue their mansion visit in a secluded 2nd floor of terror, filled with the families’ private collection of artifacts, uncovering exclusive story threads.  Also, on the second floor as part of the VIP experience is the private ‘Dark Arts Bar & Lounge’ where more fun awaits with entertainment and perhaps a chance encounter with the mansion’s strange, magical and eccentric resident. This highly encouraged upgrade also includes a ‘Reaper’s Remorse’ limited poster signed by creator Jon Braver.

“With theatre lovers ready for live entertainment, Delusion’s return couldn’t come at a better time,” said Jon Braver, Delusion creator. “We are crazy excited to return to our Delusion horror roots and to deliver an all new, original play in what I would say is the very best Delusion venue yet!”

The Phillips Mansion is located at 2640 Pomona Blvd in Pomona, CA.  Ticket prices start at $89.99.  Street parking is available at no cost.

A site specific, intimate interactive play where guests move through the venue as the haunting narrative unfolds, DELUSION invites guests to play a part in a fully realized, live otherworldly adventure, unlike anywhere else.   Because dates and quantities are limited to ensure the attraction delivers the experience that has left Halloween-lovers loyally coming back for more than 10 years, fans are encouraged to act quickly as past years have sold out almost immediately.

REAPER’S REMORSE Synopsis:

There are some dead that won’t let go. Clutching to this world by whatever threads they can find. Pretty red shoes. A shotgun. A loved one left behind. And although these strands of life can be as innocent as a child’s toy… everything has its price. A price only Esther Phillips can afford.

She lives alone. A solemn collector surrounded by artifacts that not only tell tales but carry the very souls they’re tied to. An ethereal prison of those unwilling to let go.

Esther’s latest acquisition may be her greatest yet… if she would only go near. Fear, anger and regret bleed from it. Things decay, but memories can linger.

A rare invitation has been extended to you, fellow lovers of the occult. An exclusive evening to play your part in the haunting and epic story of Esther Phillips.

There are some dead that won’t let go. And there are others that must make them.