Author - Jerry Paxton

Evil Genius 2: World Domination ‘Oceans’ Campaign Pack Trailer

2022/02/10
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Get ready to give those pesky Forces of Justice the cold shoulder as the new Oceans Campaign Pack brings the big freeze to Evil Genius 2. This new DLC pack brings a chilling amount of content to the game including a brand-new Genius in the shape of Polar, the ecological mastermind, the Arctic Lair and the Z.E.R.O. Doomsday device to freeze the Earth to its very core. You can see Polar and the Oceans Campaign Pack in action in the new trailer here:

The new Oceans Campaign Pack for Evil Genius 2 is available now on Steam, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows Store, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 as part of the Season Pass or as an individual purchase costing $11.99.

Complete with a new Campaign storyline and five Ocean Regions to control, this cool new pack adds a new Force of Justice Agent type and an armored Super-Agent who can even be turned to join forces with you as a Henchman. In addition, the pack also includes new minions: Engineers that will beaver away in their Workshop to create and maintain submarines and turrets. A new temperature system means that your workforce’s productivity will be affected if they get too cold or too hot: place heaters and air conditioning to ensure optimum working conditions.

Developed by Rebellion, one of the world’s most successful independent studios, Evil Genius 2 puts you in the shoes of the ultimate villain. Build your lair, recruit and train a workforce of loyal minions and powerful henchmen to defend your base from the meddling Forces of Justice. Unleash your own unique brand of super-villainy upon humanity as you build your evil empire and set out on world domination.

The Oceans Campaign Pack includes:

  • A new Genius – Polar
  • Z.E.R.O. Doomsday device
  • Unique Arctic Lair
  • Temperature system
  • Ocean world map regions with new schemes
  • Engineers
  • Workshop room
  • New Super-Agent who can be converted into a henchman
  • New Force of Justice – J.A.W.S
  • Turrets
  • Rocket launchers for minions
  • Three new loot items with side stories

Evil Genius 2 is available now on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam and the Microsoft Store. For more information about Evil Genius 2 please visit EvilGeniusGame.com.

Model Builder Launch Trailer

2022/02/10
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Green Man Gaming Publishing and developers Moonlit S.A. invite you to get creative as their virtual hobby simulator Model Builder launches today on PC via Steam for £14.99 / €16.79 / $19.99. Model Builder is the next generation of virtual hobby games that brings the joy of scale model building to enthusiasts and novices alike.

Model Builder features a full roster of vehicles, historical memorabilia, figures and pop culture icons for players to cut out, assemble and paint. Models include the classic British Spitfire, a host of Titan Forge miniatures, a post apocalyptic Wasteland Drifter, the French light infantry R35 Tank, Type VIIC German submarine, fearsome Oriental Dragon and a C64 Warcrawler Steampunk Bot. New models recently added include the anime inspired Gunbot Hyperion Mech, Akira style Baiku vehicle, the Star Wars inspired Lightsword, the spacecraft Copernicus (their mission statement to travel confidently where people do not go!) as well as the beautiful Warthogs Express, all of which will no doubt take pride of place in the player’s in-game showcase or shared with the world via the photo booth mode.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Gets Launch Date and Official Poster

2022/02/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News

Obi-Wan Kenobi, the new Disney+ limited series from Lucasfilm, will debut exclusively on Disney+ May 25. The series stars Ewan McGregor, reprising his role as the iconic Jedi Master.

The story begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

The series also marks the return of Hayden Christensen in the role of Darth Vader. Joining the cast are Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell and Benny Safdie.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” is executive-produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor and Joby Harold.

Six Flags Great Adventure Kicks Off 2022 Hiring Season

2022/02/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari, and Hurricane Harbor will utilize technology to help applicants fast track their way to a fun job for the 2022 season. The Northeast’s largest theme park complex is focused on making the application, hiring, and training processes faster and easier than ever before.

4,000 team members are needed to fill positions from March 2022 through Jan. 1, 2023. The parks offer opportunities in more than 10 diverse departments. Most jobs are available to those 16 years of age and older, with select positions open to 14 and 15 year olds. Many positions start at $15 per hour.

Named one of the Nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® by The National Association for Business Resources for three years in a row, Six Flags offers a wide variety of positions in fast-paced environments, and paid internships for students. The company boasts many benefits for team members including flexible scheduling, advancement opportunities, educational scholarships, exclusive events, free park admission and much more.

How to Apply:

  • Complete a job application at www.sixflagsjobs.com; or
  • Text the word FUN to 732-307-6688; or
  • Visit the Six Flags Employment Center in person from 11 am to 7 pm daily.

Fast-Tracked Hiring & Training:

  • Candidates can interview the same day they apply
  • In-person and video interviews are available
  • Training can be completed in person or virtually online

Available Positions:

  • Operations: Ride Operations, Park Services (Custodial), Public Safety (Security, EMTs, Loss Prevention)
  • In-Park Services: Food and Beverage Operations, Retail, Games
  • Guest Experience: Admissions, Guest Relations/VIP Services
  • Safari: Gatekeepers, Educators/Guides, CDL Drivers
  • Lifeguards
  • Wardrobe: Seamstresses, Launderers, and Clerks
  • Landscaping

The Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure will open for the 2022 season March 19, Six Flags Great Adventure will open April 2, and Hurricane Harbor will open May 14. Applicants with employment-related questions can email SFGAHREC@sftp.com or call 732/928-2000 x7072700. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Conan Chop Chop Gets Official Release Date

2022/02/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

Conan Chop Chop was first announced on April 1st three years ago, sending the world into a head-scratching frenzy with reactions ranging from “this can’t be real” to “oh, please be real”. Today, developer Mighty Kingdom and publisher Funcom announced that the biggest gaming event of the year is soon upon us: Conan Chop Chop launches March 1st on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox!

“Conan is a barbarian who has been forged in the flames of battle; his grit and determination, his blood, sweat and tears have made him the formidable warrior we all love,” said Kimbo Forrest, Creative Lead at Mighty Kingdom. “And our blood, sweat and tears have given you this: a Conan adventure unlike any the world has witnessed before. An experience not just for the veteran fans, but one to draw in and delight new audiences.”

With its hilarious take on Conan the Barbarian’s world, Conan Chop Chop puts players into the leathery sandals of some of Hyboria’s greatest heroes as they battle to stop the treacherous wizard Thoth-Amon, evil incarnate and not a very nice guy. Cleverly positioned as a roguelite party game, with special emphasis on party, players get to throw themselves head-first into a 1-4 player multiplayer mayhem in both online and couch co-op. It has magically created maps, trillion of item combinations to loot, and an eclectic cast of curious critters ranging from self-replicating chickens to icky brain-spiders.

If neither the above nor the next gen 2D graphics have convinced you, hopefully the demo will. A chopped-up version of Conan Chop Chop will be available as part of the Steam Next Fest starting February 21st. Nintendo Switch gamers will also get the demo on the same day.

If you finally decide to splurge, the Funcom financial team also announced today – very excitedly – that Conan Chop Chop will be priced at $14.99 on PC and $19.99 on console. The game is available for pre-order starting today on both Xbox and Nintendo Switch.

Despite the barbaric source material, steps have been taken to get the game rated ESRB E and PEGI 7+, making it a great fit for parents looking for an excuse to spend more time with their kids.

For more information about Conan Chop Chop, visit conanchopchop.com.

Walt Disney Company Gets 23 Oscar Nominations for 2022 Academy Awards

2022/02/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News

The Walt Disney Company today received a total of 23 nominations from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the 94th Oscars, which are set to take place on Sunday, March 27.

“West Side Story” received 7 nominations, including Best Picture, Actress in a Supporting Role, Directing, Costume Design, Sound, Cinematography, and Production Design.

With “Nightmare Alley,” Searchlight Pictures has now garnered 20 Best Picture Oscar Nominations and a grand total of 172 Academy Award® nominations. In addition to Best Picture, the film received 3 nominations for Costume Design, Cinematography, and Production Design.

Disney’s Onyx Collective secured their first Academy Award® nomination through the content brand’s debut of the critically acclaimed “Summer of Soul,” in partnership with Searchlight Pictures and Hulu.

Jessica Chastain was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” for Searchlight Pictures. The film also garnered a nomination for Makeup and Hairstyling.

In addition to Best Animated Feature nominations for Pixar’s “Luca” and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon,” and “Encanto,” which also received nominations for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.

Seven of the nominated films are available to stream now on Disney+ and Hulu. A complete list of all TWDC nominations is below.

2022 NOMINATIONS

WEST SIDE STORY | 20th Century Studios

7 Nominations

  • Best Picture
  • Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Ariana DeBose
  • Best Director – Steven Spielberg
  • Best Sound
  • Best Costume Design
  • Best Cinematography
  • Best Production Design

NIGHTMARE ALLEY | Searchlight Pictures | Streaming on Hulu

4 Nominations

  • Best Picture
  • Best Costume Design
  • Best Cinematography
  • Best Production Design

ENCANTO |Walt Disney Animation Studios | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Disney Music Group | Streaming on Disney+
3 Nominations

  • Best Animated Feature Film
  • Best Original Score
  • Best Original Song

THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE | Searchlight Pictures

2 Nominations

  • Best Actress in a Leading Role – Jessica Chastain
  • Best Makeup and Hairstyling

CRUELLA | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Streaming on Disney+ 

2 Nominations

  • Best Costume Design
  • Best Makeup and Hairstyling

SUMMER OF SOUL (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) |Searchlight Pictures | Onyx Collective | Streaming on Hulu and Disney+

1 Nomination

  • Best Documentary (feature)

LUCA | Pixar Animation Studios | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Streaming on Disney+
1 Nomination

  • Best Animated Feature Film

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON |Walt Disney Animation Studios | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Streaming on Disney+
1 Nomination

  • Best Animated Feature Film

FREE GUY | 20th Century Studios | Coming soon to Disney+
1 Nomination

  • Best Visual Effects

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS | Marvel Studios | Streaming on Disney+
 1 Nomination

  • Best Visual Effects

Aksys Games Announces All Aksys Showcase Event for February 17th

2022/02/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Industry News, News

Aksys Games announced that they will reveal new titles, present fresh looks at previously announced games, and livestream gameplay on their official Twitch channel, AksysGames, on Thursday, February 17th beginning at 9:00 a.m. PST.

Some of the games to be featured at the event include:

  • Blazing Strike (PS4™, PS5™, NSW, PC) – Inspired by classic arcade fighting game series from industry greats such as Capcom and SNK, the upcoming 2D fighting game from developer RareBreed Makes Games is Blazing Strike evokes the excitement and nostalgia of 2D pixel art genre pioneers while incorporating a unique games system with modern mechanics.
  • Variable Barricade (NSW) – A member of a prestigious family and heiress to a fortune, Hibari learns that her eccentric grandfather has taken it upon himself find her a husband by arranging a stay in a luxurious villa along with four handsome, hand-picked bachelors and a watchful butler. As the suitors try to win her hand by any means necessary, Hibari endures endless trials and temptations. Has grandfather chosen poorly, or is there more to these fellows than meets the eye? Through all of this, Hibari has two important goals: frighten off each of these marriage candidates, and absolutely refuse to fall in love.
  • Lover Pretend (NSW) – Chiyuki lives alone, spending all her time studying for university and doing part-time work. She has two dreams in life: One is to become a scriptwriter—also a dream of her late mother—and the other is to find her father whom she never met. From leftover clues, it seems her mother was writing a drama script before she was born. Chiyuki lands a job as a scriptwriter assistant for a film that the sons of the drama staff are making. She searches for information while working her new job, but in a twist of events ends up cast in the role of their love interest…? This is a pretend love role, not true love. Can Chiyuki create a script about fake lovers, while not knowing anything about falling in love herself?
  • Paradigm Paradox (NSW) – The year is 25XX, a world where mankind lives only in isolated colonies. The protagonist, a student at the academy, is bored with the drudgery of everyday life, a day-to-day existence untouched by gossip about “Heroes” and “Vermin,” the enemy of mankind, and unnoticed by the good-looking guys at the academy. One night she slips out of the dormitory and encounters colony-invading Vermin, landing herself in danger! Four girls appear suddenly and repel the Vermin with miraculous abilities. The protagonist decides to work as a Hero, leading a busy life as both a student and champion of justice. But why is it that she has more opportunities to talk to the good-looking guys everyone is gossiping about…? What is their (the girls’ / guys’) secret…? And what is the enemy’s true identity…?
  • Kimi wa Yukima ni Koinegau [English title pending] (NSW) – The first year of the Kyoho era. The land is ruled by the eighth shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune. Repeated incidents caused by monsters in the town of Edo upset and frighten the people so the Tokugawa shogunate establishes the “Oniwaban” to maintain public order and secure the town. Seasons pass—to year 11 of the Kyoho era. A girl in a village far from Edo has the power to see a “black thread” before every catastrophe and the panicked villagers drove her away into the snowy mountains. One day, a young man going by the name of Oniwaban appears before her. This is a story in which a girl encounters “non-humans,” and learns about love.
  • Piofiore: Episodio 1926 (NSW) – The full sequel to last year’s hit Piofiore finds Liliana immersed once again in the dangerous Mafia turf wars and intrigues that tear apart the city of Burlone.

To stay up to date on all the news, follow Aksys Games on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok at @AksysGames, and join our Thursday livestreams on Twitch at AksysGames, with stream highlights and trailers on our YouTube channel.

Generation Zero Gets Free Landfall Update

2022/02/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Systemic Reaction has released the free “Landfall” update for the open-world co-op action game Generation Zero on Steam, PlayStation®4, Xbox One and Xbox Game Pass. “Landfall” introduces the Soviets, a third faction hostile to both the Resistance (players) and the FNIX machines, opening the battlefield to new strategic possibilities as players can pit two enemy groups against one another.

“Landfall” Features:

  • New Soviet War Machines: A third faction arrives with two new machine types: the Soviet Lynx and Wolf, each designed with unique ways to challenge players and dominate the battlefield.
  • Base Building Pack: All players get a free pack containing a range of base-building items.
  • New UI Improvements: Players will discover more storage and resource capacity, as well as a new weapon wheel to quickly swap between gear, increasing the number of equipment slots.
  • New Map Revamps: The South Forest region has been redesigned with a ton of changes to enhance environmental storytelling.

Today’s update also brings new premium DLC. The “Base Defense Pack,” available on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation®4 for $3.99, includes bonus Resistance items such as a grenade launcher pillbox, spiked wall and floor traps, explosive barrel, human decoy, and sandbag shooting position.

Generation Zero puts players on the front line of the battle against the machines in an alternate history Sweden. More than one million players have experienced the game since launch, with numerous updates and two story-driven expansions (“Alpine Unrest” and “FNIX Rising”) continuing to drive the adventure, including a host of additional content planned for 2022.

NACON Acquires JRPG Focused Midgar Studio

2022/02/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Industry News, News

NACON is pleased to announce the acquisition of 100% of the capital of Midgar Studio. By integrating this studio with its talented team of JRPG specialists, NACON continues its development strategy and adds new expertise to its portfolio.

Based in the south of France and founded by passionate creators, Midgar Studio has gained recognition for creating games that leverage high-quality technology and graphics to offer players immersive experiences. As enthusiasts of Japanese culture, especially JRPGs, the team are behind the game Edge of Eternity, which takes inspiration from the genre’s biggest franchises. Released in June 2021, the open-world game takes place in a fantasy world and offers a unique experience. Winning universal acclaim from critics and gamers, it has been nicknamed the “French Final Fantasy”.

“Being creative and technically excellent at the same time is a challenge that is characteristic of Midgar Studio and our trademark. We are very happy to be joining NACON, who listen and understand what we are trying to achieve. With their support, we have the chance to fulfil our ambitions while retaining a lot of freedom,” said Jeremy Zeler-Maury.

“It’s always exciting for NACON to welcome a new team to our family, and to do it without restricting the creativity and work practices that are behind their success. Midgar Studio makes high-quality games in a segment that we have not yet specialised in. By combining the studio’s expertise with our own on the publishing side, we will soon be able to offer our players new, high-quality, French-made gaming experiences,” said Alain Falc, President and CEO of NACON.

The Video Games division of NACON now includes 15 development locations (10 in France, 1 in Belgium, 1 in Italy, 2 in Canada and 1 in Australia), comprising nearly 600 developers, supported by a Publishing team of 70 people.

Tales From the Loop – The Board Game Out Now

2022/02/08
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos

Step into the amazing world of the Loop. Tales From the Loop – The Board Game by Free League Publishing, based on the works by acclaimed visual storyteller Simon Stålenhag, has launched today and is available in the Free League webshop and in retail stores world-wide.

In Tales From the Loop – The Board Game, you and your friends play cooperatively to investigate the mysteries originating from the Loop, a huge underground science facility with strange effects on the suburban landscapes around it.

You take the roles of local kids that investigate whatever phenomena that threaten the islands (or perhaps just the local video store), and hopefully stop them. Each day starts at school, but as soon as the bell rings you can use whatever time you have before dinner and homework to go exploring!

Tales From the Loop The Board Game includes eight unique scenarios as well as six high-quality miniatures of Simon Stålenhag’s robot designs.

The Release Includes:
Tales From the Loop – The Board Game
Invasive Species expansion
The Runaway expansion

Read more about the game here.