In anticipation of the upcoming launch of Mass Effect Legendary Edition, BioWare has released several fun pieces of content for fans to enjoy, including a Mass Effect soundtrack mega-cut, a unique custom key art creator experience, and a free Mass Effect Bonus Content Download.
BioWare put together a web experience allowing players to customize their own Mass Effect Legendary Edition key art. New and veteran Shepards alike can choose their squadmates, morality, and even key location to create their own personalized key art to share with friends or social media, or use the randomizer to create one of the billions of permutations. Images can then be downloaded in several formats, including 4K and slip cover sizing for players who want to personalize their physical copies! The web experience is available here.
For fans looking for some space-age beats to pilot the Normandy to, BioWare has compiled a lengthy, 88-track soundtrack video with music from all three games in the trilogy, which includes three pieces of custom art made exclusively for the occasion. It also features the song “Resynthesis,” which is new to the Mass Effect Trilogy. Get in the Mass Effect spirit with the greatest hits from the series’ soundtrack here:
Finally, BioWare has published a sizable amount of bonus content previously available through the Deluxe Editions of Mass Effect 2 and 3, which fans can now download for free. This content drop contains 88 music tracks from across the trilogy including Resynthesis, 2 digital art books, 2 digital comic books, and a digital lithograph of the Normandy in action. This Bonus Content Download is available here.
This morning I rolled a critical success on a d20, valiantly earning the right to announce Wizards of the Coast and G4 are partnering for D&D Live 2021, a special two-day streaming event on July 16-17 and continuing with four all-new limited-run campaign series to premiere on G4 this Fall.
“D&D Live 2021 is going to be an innovative event with new forms of interactivity for a live streaming audience and the perfect D&D introduction for new audiences,” said Brian Terwilliger, 12th level VP of Programming and Creative Strategy at G4. “We’re thrilled to partner with Wizards of the Coast to give fans adventure, comedy, and an incredibly entertaining journey into the theater of the mind.”
“D&D Live has been such an exciting event for both fans and Wizards, and it’s amazing how it has grown each year. In 2021, we are expanding D&D Live’s impact by partnering with G4,” said Nathan Stewart, Level 20 Wizard of the Coast, Head of Franchise. “With G4 joining our party, we aim to bring even more fans to Dungeons & Dragons by showcasing friends adventuring together.”
D&D Live 2021 will take place on the 16th and 17th of Flamerule (which is equivalent to “July” in the Forgotten Realms calendar in case you were rusty). The two-day event will feature four games with star-studded casts playing with expert DMs, as well as hosted content featuring games, interviews, special product announcements, a Dungeon Master roundtable, and exclusive giveaways for those with high enough INT rolls. The timing and casts will be announced soon, and my halfling rogue is always good to go in case they need backups.
This alignment – which I’d totally call Chaotic Good – will continue through G4’s official launch later this year as the two brands party up for a limited series premiering after the network’s launch. The series will follow four campaigns with a mix of G4 talent, veteran D&D players, and celebrities for a new generation of D&D fans.
“As we continue to interact with our audience leading up to the launch of the network, one of the most resounding requests was for tabletop gaming content,” said Kevin Sabbe, Head of Content, G4, who looks great in a hooded traveler’s cloak, I must admit. “This partnership reinforces our focus on authentic gaming content that will entertain existing D&D fans and those new to the world of tabletop as well.”
The announcement comes as G4 continues its Epic April celebration, a classic G4 tradition where the network unveils an ogre’s load of talent/programming announcements, summons big giveaways, and generally behaves like a dwarven berserker nine espressos in. Previous announcements include G4’s partnership with WWE for a competition video game series, the return of the fan-favorite classic Ninja Warrior to the network, and the introduction of Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez and Kassem G as G4’s newest cast members.
The God of Mischief strikes again! Watch Tom Hiddleston’s video message announcing the new premiere date and weekly release day for Marvel Studios’ “Loki,” a brand-new, original series exclusively on Disney+.
Marvel Studios’ “Loki” features the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother’s shadow in a new series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” Tom Hiddleston returns as the title character, joined by Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant. Kate Herron directs “Loki,” and Michael Waldron is head writer.
Orange County’s largest water park, Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, reopens for the 2021 season with limited capacity and reservation requirements. Guests can catch a ride down 23 different speed, tube, and body slides or take a relaxing trip down one of the longest lazy rivers in the country. The 15-acre water park has something for each member of the family, an interactive kid’s area, and for the more adventurous families, The Wedge, a rip-roaring family raft ride. Guests can also enjoy new additions to the food lineup, such as a poke bowl, chicken taco sandwiches, and so much more.
Knott’s Soak City Waterpark will safely reopen to Gold and Platinum Season Passholders for a special preview on May 22 and May 23, with plans to reopen to the public select dates beginning on May 29 through September 12.
To properly manage physical distancing of guests, capacity will be limited each day and may sell out. Ticket sales and reservations will be available starting May 10 at 10am PST.
The safety and health of our guests remain our top priority. Knott’s Soak City Waterpark follows state, county and local health guidelines. There are several safety measures and operational changes established to ensure guests’ safety.
For all details regarding Knott’s Soak City and the water park’s current health and safety screenings, please visit knotts.com/soak-city.
The water park will open to Gold and Platinum Season Passholders for preview days on May 22 and May 23 with the water park fully reopening to the public, select dates starting May 29 through September 12.
Knott’s Soak City 8200 Beach Blvd Buena Park, CA 90620
NACON announces the RIG PRO Compact, its first customizable wired controller and app for Xbox available in North America from May 20. The PRO Compact is also the world’s first game controller to include Dolby Atmos® for Headphones.
Dolby Atmos places game audio all around the player with three-dimensional precision, so they can react faster and more accurately. Gamers are immersed in a more intense experience that brings crystal clear, hair-raising realism to every battlefield, so they can catch the subtle, potentially game-changing sounds they’ve been missing.
Exceptional audio, optimized form factor and complete customization give the PRO Compact an impressive combination of features. Gamers can create custom button maps, change trigger sensitivity and control dead zones using the PRO Compact app for Xbox.
“We’re excited to introduce the RIG PRO Compact controller to North America,” said RIG VP of Global Sales & Marketing, Peter Petrides. “Being able to leverage Nacon’s expertise as the #1 third-party controller brand in Europe, means we’re bringing RIG gamers a product that stays true to our brand promise. Which is to develop next generation gear that helps gamers improve their performance.”
“This is the perfect controller for competitive players who prefer, and play better, using a smaller form factor not available in other elite products,” continued Petrides. “The PRO Compact provides unparalleled levels of customization through its dedicated PRO Compact app. This, coupled with the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, makes it an extremely compelling controller for its price.”
“Dolby Atmos heightens your situational awareness and helps you reach competitive excellence,” said Mahesh Balakrishnan, Vice President of Dolby’s Audio Business. “It’s great to work again with RIG to make immersive gaming experiences more accessible to people around the world through the RIG PRO Compact.”
To enjoy Dolby Atmos for Headphones, simply download the Dolby Access app from the Windows Store on Xbox or Windows 10, plug in the controller via USB and connect a headset to experience immersive audio while gaming.
Pricing and Availability
The PRO Compact will be available in-store in the U.S. at Best Buy on May 20 and available for online pre-order from GameStop, Walmart and Target on May 5. In Canada, the PRO Compact will be exclusively available at Walmart stores.
PRO Compact Black: officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: $49.99 (USD) /
$79.96 (CAN)
PRO Compact White: officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: $49.99 (USD) /
$79.96 (CAN)
NACON also announces new versions of its popular RIG 500 PRO Series and the RIG 700 Series gaming headsets.
The RIG 500 PRO Gen 2 takes everything gamers love about the first generation 500 PRO and adds a few upgrades. All models of the 500 PRO Gen 2 feature a comfort-enhanced steel headband that is both highly durable and flexible while also being lightweight. Signature RIG exoskeleton earcup design isolates low distortion 50mm drivers that have been specifically tuned for immersive game audio.
RIG 500 PRO Series has a number of models for use with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 10. The 500 PRO HC Gen 2 is available now at GameStop, with all other variants available at major retailers on 20 May:
RIG 500 PRO HX Gen 2: for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: $69.99 (USD) / $89.96 (CAN)
RIG 500 PRO HS Gen 2: for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4: $69.99 (USD) / $89.96 (CAN)
RIG 500 PRO HC Gen 2: for multiplatform console and portable gaming: $69.99 (USD)
RIG 500 PRO HA Gen 2: for PC gaming and includes longer cables and y-splitter: $79.99 (USD)
Lastly, the RIG 700 PRO Series delivers unreal wireless comfort with zero lag in an ultralightweight design. Weighing no more than 241 grams, it remains one of the lightest wireless headsets available for Xbox and PlayStation gaming. Featuring a self-adjusting head strap along with dual-material ear cushions, the RIG 700 PRO Series provides hours of fatigue-free gaming.
RIG 700 PRO Series has models for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One and also PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Both models are available exclusively at GameStop today:
RIG 700 PRO HX: officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: $119.99
RIG 700 PRO HS: PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4: $119.99
For more information on the features of the RIG 500 PRO Gen 2 Series, RIG 700 PRO Series or PRO Compact Controller, please view the product information sheet or visit: www.nacongaming.com/en-US
Developer Piranha Games is excited to announce that MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries will feature cross-platform play for the first time in franchise history. Players can look forward to joining forces with fellow MechWarriors for co-op on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and GOG.com on May 27. A free, major update will be available at launch including over 30 new and enhanced features. The team is also pleased to confirm that players will be able to join a friend to experience the entirety of the Heroes of the Inner Sphere DLC Career Mode campaign.
To celebrate the upcoming features in MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries and the Heroes of the Inner Sphere DLC, the base game price has been dropped to $29.99 USD. In addition, the special Kobold Hero Mech will be an exclusive for the Microsoft PC and Xbox platforms with a custom load-out and paint job, plus a special new Goblin AI pilot with all-new dialogue. MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries can currently be wishlisted on Steam and GOG.com.
“The MechWarrior community feedback has been vital for the 30+ quality-of-life updates and new content at launch,” said Russ Bullock, President and Executive Producer at Piranha Games. “We’ve strived to meet fan expectations for what a MechWarrior experience is with this release – including a new co-op cross-platform experience, base game price drop, and DLC content with the ability to join a friend for free – and look forward to hearing from them on May 27.”
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries finds players in the battlefields of the future, dominated by BattleMechs, hulking machines of war capable of leveling entire cities. As the inheritor of a once-glorious Mercenary company, the quest for glory and revenge will stretch light years, chasing the threads of interstellar intrigue on the journey to become an elite MechWarrior and mercenary commander.
The merc life of a MechWarrior BattleMech pilot continues in the Heroes of the Inner Sphere DLC. Follow your chosen career path from War Dog to Treasure Hunter in the new Career Mode. Explore new warzones, new quests, and new missions that span the full scope of the Inner Sphere. Hunt the Heroes with special quests that tell the story of seven new heroes and their lostech mechs. Find new mech chassis and variants, weapons, equipment, as well as blueprints to quirk your prized mechs.
Piranha Games has spent a year addressing player concerns for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, implementing enhancements and crushing pain points resulting in over 30 major updates.
Highlighted New Features Include:
Cross-platform play – Fight alongside your friends with four-player PvE co-op support on PC (Steam, GOG, Epic) and Xbox
DLC sharing – Play co-op games with players that own the DLC to experience the content
Extreme conditions
Loads of gameplay changes – Including Infantry present throughout game, full 360 LOD radar (with BAP available with DLC), more extreme conditions and effects, enhanced AI, enhanced salvage crates, AND SO MUCH MORE
Campaign changes – New story beginning and optional tutorial
UI changes – Ability to track encounters and where to hunt desired ‘Mechs, instant action loading previously selected mechs and pilots, modding updates, amongst others
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries and the Heroes of the Inner Sphere DLC is developed by Piranha Games and will be co-published with Sold Out, both companies in the EG7 group, for Xbox Series X|S (digital), Steam, and GOG.com on May 27 for $29.99 USD. The game can currently be wishlisted on Steam and GOG.com, and was previously released on the Epic Game Store. The ESRB rating is T (Teen) for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries on Xbox Series X|S.
Behaviour Interactive is thrilled to be teaming up with Crypt TV to introduce three new outfits for Dead by Daylight available in the in-game store.
Crypt TV is a digital brand aiming to create the next generation of iconic monsters through its online horror content.
“Dead by Daylight is a labor of love, an homage to horror written by a bunch of passionate fans. We found the exact same thing at Crypt TV,” says Mathieu Côté, Game Director on Dead by Daylight. “The characters they created are so wonderful and upsetting, it was a perfect fit for the realm of the Entity. I know our fans will go crazy for the new collection CryptTV has brought to us.”
The Huntress as The Mordeo
The Mordeo are a race of demons that are created when humans resort to cannibalism in a special section of the woods.
Let the Huntress transform into a mythical demoness thanks to this legendary set which features the Skull of Flesh-Eaters Head, the Queen’s Shroud and a very special weapon, Insatiable Hunger, dipped into her enemies’ blood.
The Doctor as The Look-See
The Look-See is an entity that preys on those unable to move on from their grief.
Transform The Doctor into The Look-See with a legendary outfit that includes The Sinister Grin Head, a humanoid face devoid of any features let alone a twisted and corrupted grin, The Dark Suit, a shredded version of a clean-cut blazer and shirt and a terrifying new weapon: The Chance Wrench.
The Hag as The Birch Witch
The Birch is Crypt TV’s most popular character to date and the main protagonist of the hit Facebook Watch series of the same name. The Birch, is a sentient tree, a vengeful protector of those with love in their hearts.
Dress The Hag in this mix-and-match outfit, comprised of the Knotted Crown, damp soil and roots sprung from the ground, Bark Crust, a body made of bark and her weapon: the Gnarled Talon.
For the first time in Dead by Daylight’s history, the Crypt TV Collection outfits can be purchased using Iridescent Shards, one of the game’s progression currencies.
“Crypt’s IP has grown successfully into TV, and now seeing those characters expand into Dead by Daylight, one of horror’s biggest video games, is very exciting, says Jason Blum, Crypt TV investor. “Dead by Daylight and Crypt have passionate fans, and I’m sure the community is going to love playing as The Birch, Look-See & The Mordeo.’
‘Crypt fans have been asking for our characters to be featured in Dead by Daylight in the comment section for years which makes this Crypt x Dead by Daylight collection so rewarding,” mentions Eli Roth, founder of Crypt TV. “Dead by Daylight has inspired millions of players and has some of the best horror crossovers in all of gaming. We can’t wait to see the reaction of Crypt fans and Dead by Daylight fans and for these two communities to come together.’
Conan O’Brien’s long-running late-night show on TBS, “CONAN,” to end on June 24th, 2021. The final weeks of shows will include a lineup of special guests as well as an extended hour-long finale with a look back on the past 11 years of this iteration of O’Brien’s lengthy late-night career. Post June, O’Brien will turn his focus to his deal with WarnerMedia and development on his new show for HBO Max, which will be a departure from his current traditional talk-show format.
O’Brien is the longest serving current late-night talk show host in the U.S., who began his late-night career in 1993 when NBC tapped him to take over as host of Late Night. His late-night career has since spanned three shows over 28 years as well as four Emmy® Awards and six Writers Guild Awards. His Emmy® award-winning “CONAN: Without Borders”has visited 13 countries and his award-winning podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend” currently has amassed over 185 million downloads since it launched in 2018.
O’Brien also sits at the helm of his production company, Conaco, and Emmy®-winning digital brand, Team Coco, through which he’s successfully expanded into branded content, live events, merchandise, expertly produced comedy specials and a rapidly flourishing podcast empire.
Hood: Outlaws and Legends, the new co-op PvPvE heist game from Sumo Digital and Focus Home interactive, has released a new in-depth gameplay commentary video breaking down the wide array of choices you’ll have available as you work within teams of four to pull of intense medieval heists. Whether your squad takes a stealthy long-range approach, goes all-in for close-quarters combat, or a combination of both, cooperation will be key for victory — here’s a unique look at how those decisions and actions can play out throughout a match.
Stealth is your best way to gather information about enemy positions, the vault location and map layout to plan and execute your heist. Move around undetected, distract or assassinate guards, steal keys, retrieve treasures and, most importantly, choose when and where your team enters open combat. But beware! If an enemy spots you, your character becomes outlined in red, revealing your position to the opposing team and the rest of the guards. Charging in mindlessly can be fatal… unless creating a diversion was your plan all along.
Each character can be customized with specific perks to emphasize different playstyles. Rangers can equip special melee and burst damage perks to reach the high ground and provide cover for the team from afar. Even the Mystic, typically a support hero, can pick a fast movement perk to slip past guards, steal keys and silently unlock doors for your team.
Pre-order Hood: Outlaws & Legends now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and PC to get exclusive early access on May 7 — three days before the official release on May 10. Pre-orders will get the “Forest Lords” cosmetic pack for free, featuring unique outfits and weapon skins for your characters. You can also pre-order the game’s Year 1 Edition, which includes three Battle Passes due to be released post-launch.
SQUARE ENIX® today announced that the newest set in the popular FINAL FANTASY® TRADING CARD GAME (“FFTCG”), Opus XIII: Crystal Radiance, is now available in North America, following the recent release of the multiplayer Boss Deck – Chaos. Players can look forward to the inclusion of even more Multi-Element Forwards, after their introduction in Opus XII: Crystal Awakening, and use their powerful new abilities to gain further momentum against their opponents. Opus XIII also includes three new Legacy cards, as well as the first cards hailing from LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII, the third release in the FINAL FANTASY XIII series.
The newest Opus XIII set showcases brand-new artwork and original illustrations from renowned FINAL FANTASY artists, including:
Gen Kobayashi (FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS / DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY (Ramza))
Yasuhisa Izumisawa (FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: MY LIFE AS A KING)
Ryoma Ito (FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE)
Akira Oguro (FINAL FANTASY IV / DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY (Lightning))
Toshitaka Matsuda (FINAL FANTASY III)
Miki Yamashita (DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY (Onion Knight))
Opus XIII introduces three new “Legacy Cards” that are Premium Full Art versions of highly sought-after cards from previously released sets, which can be found below:
