Author - Jerry Paxton

Stronghold: Warlords Launch Trailer Released

2021/03/09

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

Fans of building, besieging and ‘wuselfaktor’ rejoice! Firefly Studios’ latest entry in their legendary ‘castle sim’ series, Stronghold: Warlords is now available on Steam, GOG, Humble and other retailers. Firefly celebrates today’s long awaited release with a final launch trailer for the game featuring fresh gameplay, the full campaign map and a story preview narrated by Rae Lim:

Including a 31 mission campaign with conflicts and sieges ranging from 300 BC China to 16th century Japan, Stronghold: Warlords both covers a wide historical period and (more importantly) introduces gunpowder to the series for the first time! Introducing legendary figures like Genghis Khan and lesser known rulers such as Thuc Phan, Warlords is designed to build on everything players know and love about Stronghold in an all new setting.

Warlords has something for all Stronghold fans, whether they enjoy a single player campaign, unlimited castle building freedom in Free Build mode, offline skirmish or online multiplayer with friends and AI. The game comes complete with everything expected of a mainline entry in the series, in addition to brand new gunpowder fuelled units, siege weapons and favourites like Siege Towers and Horse Archers

With Stronghold: Warlords release we also have the introduction of the titular Warlords system, a new gameplay mechanic allowing players to conquer, upgrade and command AI ‘warlords’ across the battlefield. A flagging economy can be saved with an Ox or Pig Warlord, who can boost a players’ industry and food reserves with their unique ‘Edict’ commands and passive perk abilities. Players looking to rain down fire and fury on their opponents can instead opt for a Dragon or Tiger Warlord, able to supply the player with special units and launch attacks in a pincer movement against their enemies! Whether players decide to forge these alliances through diplomatic buildings like the Consulate or simply by marching in an army and forcing warlords to bend the knee, these bonds can make or break their overall strategy.

Stronghold: Warlords is now available on Steam, with a Special Edition that includes Stronghold HD, ‘The Art of Stronghold: Warlords’ digital art book, a new soundtrack created by series composer Robert L. Euvino and a special ‘Making Of’ feature-length documentary: https://store.steampowered.com/app/907650/Stronghold_Warlords/

Chronicle of Innsmouth: Mountains of Madness Release Date Revealed

2021/03/09

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Indie studio Psychodev announces today that their Lovecraftian adventure Chronicle of Innsmouth: Mountains of Madness will release on Steam on March 23rd for €17.99/$19.99/£15.49, with a 10% launch discount. Embark on a trip to the very heart of Lovecraft’s universe and unravel the secrets of unnamed horrors older than the Earth itself in this cosmic horror point’n’click adventure. Review keys are available — email us if you are willing to risk your sanity and even your life to thwart the Old Ones’ plans…

Chronicle of Innsmouth: Mountains of Madness is a Lovecraftian point’n’click adventure, in the style of the classic early 90s Lucasfilm-Arts adventures. Inspired by HP Lovecraft’s stories such as The Shadow over Innsmouth and The Mountains of Madness, in this game you will step in the shoes of Lone Carter, an investigator who, after surviving an encounter with the Cthulhu Mythos, has to face an even worst threat. Immerse yourself in an otherwordly spiral of occult madness, find out what lies behind a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances and dare to find the truth which lurks behind the façade. The deeper you dig, the more your sanity will be challenged.

ABOUT CHRONICLE OF INNSMOUTH: MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS

Mountains of Madness is the second entry in the Chronicle of Innsmouth franchise, and is set 10 years before the events of the first chapter. The game completed successfully a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter on late 2018, right after the release of its predecessor, which was based in The Shadow over Innsmouth.

Written by a Lovecraft expert, the game is based on the eponymous novella, but features many references to other stories. It also includes many easter eggs that only the geekiest of Lovecraft geeks will get (like Lone Carter’s name himself), and gives you the opportunity to play as the Mad Arab Abdul Alhazred, author of the dreaded Necronomicon, and at some point as HP Lovecraft himself.
KEY FEATURES

A mature, horrifying story, combining the thrilling mystery of a detective story with a cosmic horror setting.
Inspired by The Mountains of Madness, but with many original elements to surprise you at every corner.
Test your wits and deduction skills with clever puzzles, logical but challenging.
Interact with many characters, both original and taken from Lovecraft’s works. Play as detective Lone Carter, but also as iconic Lovecraft characters as Abdul Alhazred – and even H.P. Lovecraft himself!
Retro art style, inspired by the early 90s Lucasarts classics.
A brilliant unsettling original soundtrack, full of tension and mystery, to underline the disturbing events of this story.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 Gameplay Trailer

2021/03/08

Jerry Paxton

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

Today, CI Games is excited to reveal the very first look at Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 gameplay. This new trailer showcases the next-generation of Sniper’s best-selling series, as Contracts 2 elevates Sniper Ghost Warrior to new heights – and distances! – with its 1000m+ extreme-range sniping feature. As contract sniper assassin Raven, players will utilize authentic gear and weaponry across large-scale sandbox maps as they track and eliminate targets using a variety of approaches. Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 launches on June 4th, 2021 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.

Pre-orders for physical editions on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One are now live and include an exclusive weapons and skins bonus pack (at selected stores only). Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 will launch at $39.99 / €39,99 / £34,99 / AUD69.95.v

The Sniper Ghost Warrior series is the best-selling first-person sniping franchise of all time selling over 11 million copies worldwide, and CI Games is eager to continue building on this success with the highly anticipated sequel. Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 marks the most thrilling entry yet, adding an entirely new level of challenge with the extreme-range sniping of targets over 1,000 meters away, in addition to an arsenal of other new features:

1000m+ extreme-range sniping
A dramatic single-player campaign set in modern-day Middle East, with 5 distinct sandbox maps featuring a variety of fully accessible, interactive areas players can approach their own way
Next-level realism with authentic gadgets and weapons customizable to fit different styles of play
Replayable missions that can be completed in a number of ways, with unlockable rewards for achieving all objectives
More intelligent adversaries with improved tactics
Next-generation features include enhanced visuals, native 4k resolution, and improved loading times, setting a new benchmark as the best looking Sniper Ghost Warrior game thus far

Players eager to snipe an early copy of Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 can pre-order physical editions of the game for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One platforms. By doing so, snipers will unlock the following exclusives (at selected stores only):

Marcus Tactical: A light sniper rifle with great stability
FFF-45 ACP Luring Pistol: A sidearm with special luring ammo
Two Weapon Skins.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 will launch for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC platforms on June 4th, 2021. Pre-orders are available now for physical editions or you can add Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 to your Steam wishlist.

For more information about Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2, head to www.SniperGhostWarriorContracts2.com, follow the team on Facebook or join the conversation on Twitter.

Spooky Swap Meet Event Announced

2021/03/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

A highly curated shopping experience of all things macabre intersects with the haunting beauty of historic Los Angeles on May 1, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Spooky Swap Meet – a matchless and immersive first-time event.

The Heritage Square Museum’s (3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles) several Victorian manors serve as the stunning backdrop of a buzzing marketplace featuring vintage and original Halloween décor, furnishings, costumes, props and more. Ghost stories and trick-or-treating from mansion to mansion are also included in the price of admission ($13). Parking is free.

“The outdoor museum setting will provide an amazing experiential atmosphere for guests to enjoy shopping from booth to booth – each offering one-of-a-kind finds,” said Spooky Swap Meet Co-Creator Sarah Cooke. “This event will not only support and showcase our local Halloween and haunt community vendors, but any enthusiast who has a collection of spooky items they would like to sell is also welcome to participate.”

Fortunes and food will also be available at the upscale flea market. Clairvoyant readings and purchases from a selection of food trucks may be made for an additional fee.

To manage crowd size, timed entries each hour will be utilized at the COVID-compliant event. Masks are required. All vendor booths will be equipped with hand sanitizers for public use, with additional hand washing stations accessible.

To purchase tickets, join the list of vendors, or learn more, visit SpookySwapMeet.com. Follow @spookyswapmeet on Instagram or like facebook.com/spookyswapmeet.

Alamo Drafthouse Announces The Lord of the Rings Cast Reunion

2021/03/05

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News

One ring to rule them all… and two decades later, three incredible chances to support local cinemas at THE LORD OF THE RINGS Cast Reunion.

A full year after the world changed, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is bringing together Middle-earth’s finest to celebrate and support local cinemas across the world. For three consecutive weeks beginning March 25th with THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, cast members from the cast of THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy will come together for conversations celebrating the 20th anniversary of these monumental films. Participating talents include Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Peter Jackson, Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, and Elijah Wood. Each will be moderated by Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show on CBS and a noted “Ring Nut.” Fans can submit questions for the assembled panel through March 10th using #LOTR20 on Twitter.

“One of the experiences I miss most during this last year, beyond getting to hug my friends and travel, is sitting in a dark movie theater eagerly anticipating a new cinematic experience,” says Elijah Wood, who led the charge in assembling the cast and crew. “When Tim [League] reached out with the idea that we could band together to bring some much needed support to independent theaters across the globe, I jumped at the chance to help.”

The reunion Q&A content will be initially exclusively to theatrical screenings of the new 4K remastering of THE LORD OF THE RINGS Trilogy. As part of their new “Support Local Cinemas” campaign, Alamo Drafthouse is making these Q&A presentations available for all theaters around the globe entirely for free.

“We are extremely confident that post-COVID, the pent up demand for the magic of moviegoing will be very strong and the industry will return and flourish,” says Tim League, Alamo Drafthouse Founder and Executive Chairman. “In the meantime we’re grateful to Peter Jackson, the gracious participating cast members, and Stephen Colbert for participating in these very special events and letting fans experience these incredible films on the big screen in safe, open theaters.”

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING – beginning March 25
Featuring Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, and Elijah Wood.

THE TWO TOWERS – beginning April 1
Featuring Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, and Liv Tyler.

RETURN OF THE KING – beginning April 8
Featuring Peter Jackson, Ian McKellen, and Andy Serkis.

As vaccination levels rise across the country, Alamo Drafthouse will continue to offer one-of-a-kind special events like THE LORD OF THE RINGS Cast Reunion as a ‘welcome back’ for guests to safely return to their local movie theaters. Future events – cast reunions, director interviews and commentaries, and behind-the-scenes looks at iconic films – will be produced by Alamo Drafthouse and made available for free to any cinema in the world.

Operating during the COVID era has been an immense challenge for all theaters – and will continue even once the industry and the world has returned to a sense of ‘normalcy.’ After reopening last August, Alamo Drafthouse reinvented its entire operating model to create the safest possible gathering place outside the home – safer than supermarkets, bars, and restaurants – featuring dramatically enhanced safety protocols, HVAC upgrades, and state-of-the-art technology.

Through the end of April, THE LORD OF THE RINGS Cast Reunion will also be available as Your Own Private Alamobookings, Alamo Drafthouse’s innovative ‘personal theater’ option where guests can quickly and easily reserve a showing for their family and friends. Additionally, for fans who are unable to make it out to a theater safely at this time, the reunion conversations will later be made available online.

Cinemas that would like access to THE LORD OF THE RINGS Cast Reunion content should book the films through Warner Bros and then contact the Alamo Drafthouse creative team through the form on this page for additional instructions.

Tickets and additional details
https://drafthouse.com/LOTR20

Alamo Drafthouse – Safety Protocols
https://drafthouse.com/covid-safety

Your Own Private Alamo
https://drafthouse.com/theater-rental

Alamo On Demand
https://ondemand.drafthouse.com

Follow Alamo Drafthouse:
Facebook facebook.com/AlamoDrafthouse
Twitter twitter.com/alamodrafthouse
YouTube youtube.com/alamodrafthouse
Instagram instagram.com/drafthouse
On Demand ondemand.drafthouse.com
Website drafthouse.com

Razer Unveils the Anzu Smart Glasses

2021/03/05

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers (Hong Kong Stock Code: 1337), today announced the Razer Anzu Smart Glasses, its first ever eyewear product. Razer Anzu combines the valuable protection of 35% blue light filtering lenses, 99% UVA/UVB protective polarized sunglasses, touch controls, and open-ear audio for a one-of-a-kind wearable. Razer Anzu seamlessly enhances the experience of working from home, and makes digital entertainment or outdoor activities another opportunity to demonstrate your style.

Open-ear wireless sound and the use of Razer’s low-latency Bluetooth technology offer consumers greater immersion and convenience to enjoy work-play lifestyles. A less-than 48g light weight and ergonomic design delivers a comfortable fit for extended use, particularly during work-from-home sessions. Razer Anzu will be available from Razer.com in fashionable rectangular or round frame designs, each in two sizes with subtle branding adorning the durable and flexible frame hinges meant for easy storage.

“The Razer Anzu modernizes the wearable category in terms of convenience and blue light or UV protection,” said John Moore, Head of Sales and Marketing at Razer. “With Anzu, Razer is entering the market at a time when there is a surge of people working from home – where eye protection, hands-free communication and smart features are now in high demand.”

Protect your eyes in style

Consumers spend countless hours using mobile devices, laptops and computer displays for both business and pleasure, which exposes their eyes to blue light. Razer Anzu is an all-in-one solution to filter out the damaging light of digital devices and the sun, adding a much-needed element of protection to stylish smart eyewear. The best-in-class package is complete with pre-installed 35% blue light filtering lenses to protect from screen glare, reducing digital eyestrain so eyes feel fresh and focused while enjoying entertainment or working. For outdoor activities, replacement polarized lenses are included in the retail bundle to shield eyes from 99% of UVA/UVB rays.

Razer is excited to partner with Lensabl who is extending 15% off prescription lenses for corrective eyewear customers who purchase Razer Anzu. Lensabl is the one-stop shop for all vision care products online, offering a best-in-class lens replacement service. Online vision test options allow customers to purchase, renew and extend their glasses prescriptions through a PC or smartphone from www.lensabl.com.

Modern and discreet eyewear with low latency, open-ear audio

The customized Bluetooth 5.1 connection brings industry-leading 60ms latency for smooth, stutter-free sound that allows you to stay immersed without any disruptions from audio delay or skipping. A discreet omnidirectional mic and speakers built into the Anzu frame provide nearly imperceivable, convenient hands-free communication wherever you are.

With more than 5 hours of battery life on a single charge, Razer Anzu has the juice to power through your day to support use during long work or gaming sessions. When folded up and not in use, power is conserved by shutting off to achieve nearly two weeks of stand-by power.

True smart features

For convenient and intuitive smart controls, a touch interface on the side of the Anzu frame can change music tracks, play or pause media, manage conference calls, and activate the smartphone’s voice assistant. A user-friendly device experience extends to the available Android and iOS apps which deliver EQ adjustments (default, enhanced clarity, or treble boost), latency settings, battery status, and firmware updates.

Available in different sizes and styles, Razer Anzu has a water-resistant IPX4 design to be splashproof, so workouts and unfortunate spills or weather will not be a problem. Product packaging includes Anzu Smart Glasses with 35% blue light filtering lenses pre-installed, 99% UVA/UVB protective polarized sunglass replacement lenses, USB-A charging cable, cleaning cloth, and a carrying case to store the frames and additional lenses.

For more information on the Razer Anzu, check here.

ABOUT THE RAZER ANZU

Lenses
35% blue light filtering
99% UVA/UVB polarized sunglass
Headphones
Drivers: 16 mm
Approximate weight: 43-48 g (43g Sm Rec, 44g Sm Rnd, 46 Lg Rec, 48 Lg Rnd)
Microphone
Pickup pattern: Omnidirectional
Touch controls
Music Controls: Play, pause, skip, previous
Call Controls: Answer, reject, switch, end
General: Pair, power, activate gaming mode and smartphone virtual assistant
Battery
Battery life: More than 5 hours*
* May vary depending on usage

Compatibility

Devices with Bluetooth audio capability

Smartphone application available for Android and iOS devices

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

Razer Anzu: $199.99 USD / €209.99 MSRP
Razer Anzu Replacement Sunglass Lenses: $29.99 USD / €34.99 MSRP

Razer.com: March 4, 2021

Sideshow Con Returns for 2021

2021/03/04

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

For fans lamenting the postponed San Diego Comic-Con this year, Sideshow declares ‘The Con is On!’

2021 marks the return of Sideshow Con – Sideshow’s popular spin on the now-commonplace virtual con. While most of SDCC’s exhibitors took their booths online for digital events in 2020, Sideshow Con centered around a real-world physical booth space. A custom-made installation that recreated Sideshow’s Comic Con exhibition / art gallery-style presence.

This exhibition-style setup featured hundreds of statues, figures, art prints, and collectibles, and enabled fans from all over the world to engage with Sideshow’s team for 7 whole days, exploring a physical space from the comfort of their own homes. Fans had live access to HD streams of all of the new reveals from Sideshow and their brand partners, as well as a wealth of show-exclusive products, discounts, contests, and more!

Now, in 2021, Sideshow plans to raise the bar even higher…

Sideshow PR Manager, Andy Smith, said:

“In 2020, the “Sideshow Con” concept was a love-letter to conventions. It was born from our sadness about the cancellation of San Diego Comic-Con.

2020 was difficult for everyone, and we tried to find a way to share some love and celebrate the con experience we were all missing while showcasing all of the new products that Sideshow and our partners had coming up in the coming year. By including live interaction with our team as virtual tour guides, we tried to recreate that con atmosphere as much as possible.

We built a physical real-world booth that aimed to replicate some of the pop culture art gallery vibe from our San Diego space, and then leveled it up with multiple podium swap outs each day. We filled that booth with hundreds of statues and figures from Sideshow, Hot Toys, Tweeterhead, PCS, Threezero, Iron Studios, and many more.

Throughout that week, we released nearly a hundred videos from the booth, and we went live three times a day to chat with fans and explore the products in real-time! The fan response was overwhelmingly positive, and even though the event wasn’t without its own very unique challenges, we learned a lot, and we’re excited to aim even higher and try to offer even more in 2021.

We’ve been going to SDCC since 1998, and we’re very sad that the event has been postponed this year. However, we’re determined to make the most of this unusual and unprecedented situation. To our fellow fans, friends, collectors, and convention-goers worldwide, we miss you, stay safe, and we hope that Sideshow Con brings you some geeky joy in 2021. We are looking forward to seeing you all again in person soon, but until then, we hope you enjoy the show!”

COMING SOON

Keeping that “convention spirit” alive is an essential part of Sideshow Con 2021, and many aspects of a physical convention will be preserved, including an upcoming pre-registration process for priority access to content and merch, as well as early-bird access to limited edition convention exclusive products, contests and more.

A full line-up of Sideshow Con’s events, programming schedule, and convention exclusives will be revealed online soon. Visit side.show/con for the very latest news and information about this event as it’s announced.

Zombieland VR: Headshot Fever Announcement Trailer Released

2021/03/04

Jerry Paxton

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

Sony Pictures Virtual Reality (SPVR) and XR Games are proud to announce ‘Zombieland VR: Headshot Fever’; an exciting new VR game set in the “Zombieland” universe, releasing this Spring for Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality headsets, and later for PlayStation®VR.

Inspired by light-gun games of the 90s and the racing games of today, ‘Zombieland VR: Headshot Fever’ rewards skill, speed and accuracy with addictive gameplay, a range of powerful weapons and an exciting new Adrenaline system.

Fans of the hit ‘Zombieland’ movie franchise can step into VR to join Tallahassee, Wichita, Columbus and Little Rock as our four heroes roll up in Silicon Valley to launch a new kind of product; a zombie-killing race course called the Zombieland Invitational.

Survive ferocious zombies and enjoy the dystopian humour of Zombieland as Tallahassee, Wichita, Columbus and Little Rock train you to run the fastest, most dangerous zombie-killing race course ever devised – the Zombieland Invitational!

‘Zombieland VR: Headshot Fever’ combines classic arcade light-gun shooting with split- second racing mechanics. Two quick headshots turn the world slow, giving players more time to rack up combos, get faster times and claw their way to the top of the leaderboards with awesome weapons, powerful upgrades and head-popping, clock- stopping, zombie-killing arcade action!

Holing up in the best tech billionaire’s mansion they can find, they accidentally save YOU, a zombie apocalypse survivor living in the mansion’s panic room. That’s when they decide to train you to become the most badass zombie killer of all time. Play hard and earn their respect to unlock weapons, challenges, upgrades and perks!

But just killing zombies isn’t gonna hack it. This is a racing sport and to be the best you’ve got to kill in style. That’s where our Adrenaline system kicks in. Nail two quick headshots in a row and adrenaline slows down time – making you faster! Line up your next shot, keep the combo going, and pop those zombie heads! The longer your combo, the faster your time – and fractions of a second count in the Zombieland Invitational!

So get out there and start chaining headshots, blasting weapons and bossing your way through eminently blastable Silicon Valley locations. Set record times, challenge friends, then take on the leaderboards – WORLDWIDE.

Unique features of the game include:

Join the crew – Get trained up by Tallahassee, Wichita, Columbus and Little Rock to take on the undead.
Adrenaline system – Two headshots in a row makes the world slow, use it to your advantage!
Global leaderboards – Challenge your friends, beat their times and climb the global leaderboards.
Powerful weapons – Unlock shotguns, revolvers, assault rifles and more to find your ideal loadout.
Upgrade your arsenal – Improve your weapons with powerful upgrades and perks.
The Zombieland Invitational – Take your skills, weapons, upgrades and perks into the fastest, most dangerous zombie killing race course ever devised.
Built for VR from the ground up – Bringing light-gun shooters back from the dead, and into your home

“With this VR game, we’re bringing the zombie apocalypse right to you in a totally new way while preserving the humor and wit of the hit movie franchise. Now ‘Zombieland’ fans can feel what it’s like to stare down an onslaught of Zombie hordes and make split-second gameplay decisions in order to blast their way to survival.,” said Jake Zim, SVP, virtual reality, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “The team at XR Games not only retained the action, characters and humor of what made the films so successful, but they’ve given fans a new way to become part of the ‘Zombieland’ universe.”

“Being trusted with bringing an iconic Sony Pictures franchise to life is extra rewarding and exciting when you’re a huge fan of Zombieland”, says Bobby Thandi, Founder and CEO of XR Games. “The Zombieland world is a no-nonsense kind of place, and to this end we’ve made one of the purest shooting games for VR. We hand crafted the content, upping replayability, and incorporated mechanics from racing games such as time splits so you know exactly how well you’re doing. It’s about practising ’til you’re perfect. Your speed and accuracy with each shot is imperative to score the fastest time (pro tip: remember the Navy SEALs quote – slow is smooth and smooth is fast). And your performance is being assessed via the witty banter of Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita, and Little Rock. They’re not gentle with their opinions!”

Universal Studios Unveils the Taste of Universal Dining and Shopping Event

2021/03/04

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Universal Studios Hollywood takes its first step in re-opening with the introduction of “Taste of Universal,” a lively outdoor dining and shopping experience taking place within select themed lands on weekends—Friday to Sunday from noon to 7:00 p.m.—beginning on Friday, March 12.

Universal Studios Hollywood is working closely with local health and government officials to implement new health and safety procedures that include controlled capacity to enforce physical distancing and required face coverings.

This eagerly-awaited experience will invite guests to once again feel the thrill of strolling along the park’s signature red carpet as they pass through its iconic gates to enjoy some of the theme park’s best culinary offerings and premium shopping options along with physically distanced photo opportunities with some of their favorite characters.

Admission tickets to “Taste of Universal” include access to select themed areas of the park along with a wide selection of nearly 70 choice culinary options, of which 30 are new to the event. Adults can choose five options and kids can choose three with additional food offerings available for purchase. Tickets start at $44 plus tax for adults and $25 plus tax for kids ages 3-9 years. Discounted admission tickets will be available for Universal Annual and Season Pass members. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

While rides, shows and attractions will not be operational during this experience, guests will be able to take in the incredible environments that surround them as they enjoy the scrumptious food, including vegan and vegetarian options, served within these areas. This includes:

“Springfield, U.S.A.” — Home of The Simpsons featuring Krusty Burger, Suds McDuff’s Hot Dog House, the Lard Lad Donut Cart and Kwik-E-Mart.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” — Stroll through Hogsmeade village and enjoy shops such as Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods, and feast on food favorites, including Three Broomsticks™ Fish & Chips, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Butterbeer.

The debut of Minion Cafe, a delicious new dining experience, located adjacent to the popular “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride, offering such tasty fare as Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Meatballs, Chicken & Bacon Mac and Cheese, and Nutella Banana pudding.

The Hollywood & Dine section will feature:

Authentic Mexican fare at Cocina Mexicana with such favorites as Queso Street Tacos, Loaded Nachos all topped with choice of Tinga or Carnita & Birria, Tortilla Cut Chips with Guacamole, Chili Relleno and Elote Corn on the cobb with Lime Crema.

Hollywood & Dine, the establishment located just inside the theme park’s main entry, serving a selection of comfort foods including, Hot Chicken Sandwich, Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl, Personal Pizza with choice of pepperoni or cheese, Brisket Sliders with Caramelized Onions, Korean Hot Dog, and mini funnel cake.

City Snack Shop offering grab and go treats such as the quintessential NYC Giant Pretzel, Spicy Pomegranate Glazed Turkey Leg, and the debut of the Crepewich, which features sweet (Banana and Nutella, or Strawberry Chocolate) and savory (club or Spinach and Berry vegetarian) temptations. Yum!

A highlight of the experience will invite guests to preview the very exciting “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” attraction shop, The Pets Store, where guests can purchase favorite The Secret Life of Pets themed goodies. Minion Way and Pets Place perpendicular streets located adjacent to Illumination’s “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and all-new “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” rides will take guests on a stroll through the film’s scenic New York City streets as they explore the themed environment.

The Animation Store, home to Hello Kitty® and her friends from Sanrio®, including My Melody™, Keroppi™ and Chococat™, as well as Minions merchandise from Illumination’s, blockbuster Despicable Me film franchise, and DreamWorks Animation franchises including Trolls and Kung Fu Panda, will be among the park’s exciting shopping options.

Physically distanced photo opportunities with select favorite characters will offer guests the chance to reconnect with Universal Studios Hollywood and share their experiences with friends and family via social media.

In addition to this exciting “Taste of Universal” event, guests can extend their day with more shopping and dining at the adjacent Universal CityWalk.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s new health and safety protocols are outlined below, highlighted in this video and detailed on the Universal Studios Hollywood website.

Temperature checks for all Guests upon arrival. If temperatures exceed 100.4° Fahrenheit / 38° Celsius or greater, Guests will not be permitted to enter.
Face coverings required for all Guests throughout their visit. Face coverings also will be available for purchase.
Controlled capacity within the theme park, and limited occupancy at all CityWalk venues to help enforce physical distancing. Some areas and programs may remain temporarily closed.
Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting at all food locations, restrooms, and all other high touch points.
Physical distancing practices at all locations throughout the park.
Eating and drinking permitted only in designated outdoor dining areas.
Contactless payment options wherever possible.

More information about Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Twitter @UniStudios, Facebook-Universal Studios Hollywood and Instagram @UniStudios.

Six Flags Rockin’ Drive-In Laser Light Spectacular Announced

2021/03/04

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Six Flags Great Adventure, the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park, will host a new, limited-time event, Six Flags Rockin’ Drive-In Laser Light Spectacular March 18 to 21.

To coincide with the launch of the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure March 20, and one week before Six Flags Great Adventure’s season kick-off March 27, Six Flags will offer guests a full spectrum of eye-popping laser lights and special effects set to a rocking soundtrack of today’s greatest hits—all enjoyed from the comfort and safety of their cars.

Six Flags Rockin’ Drive-In Laser Light Spectacular details:

Date: March 18 to 21, 2021
Time: 2 shows per night — 7:30 pm & 9:30 pm
Length: 30 minutes
Cost: $14.99 per person; $9.99 per active Member and Season Pass Holder

The event will take place in the theme park parking lot and guests should enter through the main entrance on Rt. 537 West. Snacks and beverages, as well as glow merchandise, will be available during the show.

Reservations are required and capacity will be limited. Admission tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis and will be sold per person for each show. Event-specific tickets as well as 2021 Season Passes and Memberships are available for purchase at sixflags.com/greatadventure Current Members and Season Pass holders can make reservations at sixflags.com/greatadventure/reserve. Ticket sales will not be available at the gate.

Vehicles will park every other space to maintain social distancing. Event requirements include use of masks to purchase food or merchandise and if windows are down, and occupants of a participating vehicle cannot leave their vehicle except for emergency purposes or to use the portable restrooms. These rules and a full list of safety requirements for the event will be available on the park’s website at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

As part of Six Flags’ comprehensive safety procedures, all employees are required to wear masks and are temperature checked and heath screened each day.